Sonny Bill Williams at the Australian Open. (Image: Getty.)
Sonny Bill Williams is one of the finest rugby players to ever grace the game, a successful boxer, and now is turning his attention to tennis coaching at the .
There were a few raised eyebrows when the New Zealand rugby legend arrived in Melbourne for the second day of the Grand Slam, and even more so when he sat down in James McCabe’s coaching area.
McCabe, 21, represents Australia and called upon none other than Williams on several occasions during his first-round 6-4, 6-3, 6-4 victory over Martin Landaluce. The home wildcard will next face Alex Michelsen, who by defeating .
The world No. 258 is into the second round of a Grand Slam on his Major debut, even with a coach in Williams, who admitted he doesn’t “know too much about tennis”.
After watching his player win on Court Six, Williams explained his surprise role to : “We’re just mates. I’ve known him since we were young, I’m good friends with his old man, family friends.
“He’s just a good young man. I don’t know too much about tennis to be honest, but anything that he needs from me, I’m here.
“I’m just here supporting a young man. I’ve known him since he was maybe 10 or 11, so for a long time I’ve known him. But that’s all it is, the simple messages.”
Sonny Bill Williams watching on from the side of the court. (Image: Getty)
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McCabe benefitted from a Williams pep talk in the third set once Landaluce left the court for a toilet break, helping keep the pressure from washing over the debutant.
“I have known Sonny ever since I was a kid. We are really close, family friends. I just wanted him to come down,” McCabe said.
“He came down last year, as well. He came to Adelaide. Sonny is like a brother to me. Sonny is amazing. He’s like, especially Sonny being Sonny, he has all the experience being one of the best players ever to step on the field. Just, yeah, his words of wisdom and everything is just … I’m very lucky.”
James McCabe celebrating his Australian Open first-round win. (Image: Getty)
The 39-year-old was the second person ever to represent New Zealand in rugby union after representing his nation in rugby league, going on to win two . He then became a boxer and won nine out of nine fights before losing the national title to Mark Hunt.
And Williams has a wealth of knowledge that he is willing to share with McCabe, confirming that “of course” he will be back for the second round.
“He’s got the complete package,” Williams added. “It’s just about staying mentally strong and in the moment. Like I said, I’m not a tennis coach, and I was just trying to support where I could.
“From a mental point of view, just stay present and stay in the fight and stay on top of them, just simple messages.
“I’ve walked that path, I’ve walked that journey, and anything I can help with, any little bit of knowledge that I may have from the paths that I’ve walked, I’m an open book.
“I’ve never been one to hoard any of that type of knowledge. So if I see something, I’ll say it to him. He can take it or not. It’s a path that he has to walk, but he’s got a good team around him.”