While Victoria is better known for its strong tennis and cricket traditions, rugby has a much smaller following in the region. Although Melbourne is home to the rugby league team, the Storm, their games rarely attract large crowds despite their success in national titles. The city’s true passion lies in Australian Rules Football, with nine of the country’s 18 elite clubs based in Melbourne. Rugby, in comparison, remains in the shadows.
So when Sonny Bill Williams, a double Rugby World Cup champion, appeared at Court 6 during the Australian Open on Monday, his presence went largely unnoticed. However, it didn’t take long for onlookers to spot him sitting among the coaching staff of rising star James McCabe.
“I’ve known Sonny since I was a kid. We’re family friends, and I really wanted him to come down,” McCabe said. “Sonny is like a brother to me. His experience as one of the best players ever is priceless. His advice means a lot, and I’m lucky to have him here.”
At just 21, McCabe, originally from the Philippines but raised in Sydney, secured his first Grand Slam victory in straight sets against former junior US Open champion Martin Landaluce. After Landaluce took an extended break following his losses, a tactic commonly used to disrupt an opponent’s rhythm, McCabe recalled a similar situation in Adelaide, where a break in play had caused him to lose concentration.
This time, however, McCabe was prepared. He consulted with his coach Gavin van Peperzeel and Williams, who knelt beside him, offering advice and keeping him focused.
“They gave me great advice. I realized that my inexperience cost me in Adelaide, but today I stayed focused and kept moving. That really helped me handle the pressure,” McCabe reflected after his victory.
Williams is no stranger to success. Beyond his celebrated careers in rugby union and rugby league, he has also boxed, finishing with an unbeaten record of nine matches before suffering a setback in a national title bout. He has since retired from boxing.
In recent years, the father of five has ventured into the culinary world, creating a food-centered social media platform alongside his wife, Alana.
McCabe and Williams share a bond that goes beyond tennis. McCabe, who grew up in a Sydney apartment complex with a tennis court and swimming pool, developed his athletic skills from an early age. By two years old, he was already rallying with his father, Patrick, showing early promise in swimming, music, and tennis.
At 10, McCabe made the difficult decision to abandon tennis in favor of a demanding school schedule. His days began at 4 AM with swimming drills, followed by music lessons, schoolwork, and late nights.
“My childhood was tough,” McCabe admitted. “But it shaped me. I didn’t know it at the time, but those experiences made me resilient.”
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