Words of wisdom from decorated actor Matthew McConaughey have come back to haunt Nick Kyrgios following his meek first round Australian Open exit on Monday night.
Jacob Fearnley played the match of his life at John Cain Arena – although Kyrgios was clearly hampered by an abdominal strain which hindered his movement and trademark booming serve.
The Scot won in straight sets to silence the boisterous crowd, with Kyrgios, 29, left painfully aware his professional career is rapidly drawing to a close.
In commentary for Channel Nine, tennis legend John McEnroe and Aussie doubles champion Todd Woodbridge referenced a podcast from last November where McConaughey was Kyrgios’ guest on Good Trouble.
The Canberra-raised star asked McConaughey how he would inspire him ahead of his grand slam comeback at Melbourne Park – and the man who shot to fame after his performance in the cult classic film Dazed and Confused didn’t disappoint.
‘Look man, you never had a coach. I’m not gonna come in here and tell you to do something that you don’t want to do. Let’s talk about this. You still have room to love this game,’ McConaughey began.
Words of wisdom from decorated actor Matthew McConaughey came back to haunt Nick Kyrgios following his meek Australian Open exit on Monday night (pictured)
The tennis star asked McConaughey how he would motivate him ahead of his Australian Open return when they were chatting on Kyrgios’ Good Trouble podcast in November
‘You like it. You have talent at it. That’s connecting the dots. How about we just go to that place.
‘What if you be open to loving this game and loving your ability that not many people have to play this game.
‘How many people have the ability to play this game?
‘We don’t need ‘rah rah’. We do something when we feel it in mind, body and spirit and there’s a joy to it. Even if you don’t go on and play for 10 years.
‘Starting at the Australian Open, think of it as more than an affair. What if you just got married to tennis?
Sadly for Kyrgios and Aussie tennis fans, McConaughey’s stirring words proved in vain, with the 2022 Wimbledon finalist left licking his wounds as he was outplayed from start to finish.
Post-match, Kyrgios said he was ‘heartbroken’ at being unable to perform at his show-stopping best.
‘Realistically, I can’t really see myself probably playing singles again here,’ he said after spending two hours and 19 minutes on court.
McConaughey’s stirring words proved in vain, with the 2022 Wimbledon finalist left licking his wounds following a straight sets defeat
The pair also enjoyed a hit on court when Kyrgios was in New York to commentate at the US Open (pictured)
‘I was taking everything in tonight….I didn’t want to just throw in the towel and walk off or retire.’
Kyrgios also said he had no regrets over the course of his colourful career and was aiming to play the remaining three grand slams this year, as well as doubles for Australia at the Davis Cup.
‘Everything’s been a learning curve for me,’ he said. ‘I continue to try and have fun and just be real and enjoy the ride.
‘But I think it would be selfish for me to say that ‘I want more, I want more’.
‘I’ve had a lot of success. More than most athletes would have.’
