A familiar face was seen at Melbourne Park on Monday.
Dual international Sonny Bill Williams was there to support family friend James McCabe, who defeated Spanish teenager Martin Landaluce 6-4 6-3 6-4 in the first round of the Australian Open.
The 21-year-old credited Williams for his support in securing his first ever win at a grand slam and even approached the World Cup winner when his opponent took a bathroom break.
James McCabe celebrates the win. Getty
“I have known Sonny ever since I was a kid. We are really close, family friends. I just wanted him to come down,” McCabe told The Sydney Morning Herald.
“He came down last year, as well. He came to Adelaide. Sonny is like a brother to me. Sonny is amazing.
Sonny Bill Williams (C) takes photogrpahs after McCabe’s win. Getty
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.”
Williams told the publication he doesn’t “know too much about tennis”, but was there on court six to support his long time family friend.
“We’re just mates. I’ve known him since we were young, I’m good friends with his old man, family friends,” he said.
“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.
Williams sits in McCabe’s box. Getty
“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.”
McCabe will take on American Alex Michelsen, the man who eliminated Stefanos Tsitsipas, in the second round, and Williams plans to attend once more.
“Of course,” Williams said. “We’ll be there, ready to go again.”
