Tommy Paul receives shoutout from $160M-worth Matthew McConaughey after advancing to Australian Open QF
Tommy Paul's commanding performance in his Australian Open third-round match recently caught the attention of Hollywood actor and tennis enthusiast Matthew McConaughey. The 55-year-old, a regular admirer of the sport, has also been spotted courtside cheering for the players.
Paul took just 87 minutes to defeat Spain's Alejandro Davidovich Fokina at Margaret Court Arena on Sunday (Jan. 19). The American claimed the first set 6-1 and continued his dominance, winning the next two sets by the same score and dropping only three games throughout the match. This victory secured his spot in the Australian Open quarterfinals.
Paul's performance later caught the eye of $160 million-worth McConaughey (as per Celebrity Net Worth), who shared his excitement on X. The 'Interstellar' star posted a message, referencing the single game won by Fokina in each set.
"@TommyPaul1 1,1 and ONE," he wrote.
Check out his post below:
This wasn't the first time McConaughey had acknowledged Paul's progress. The American delivered a strong performance during his Italian Open campaign in May last year, reaching the semifinals after defeating Hubert Hurkacz in the quarterfinals. Notably, it was Paul's second tournament following an ankle injury he sustained during the Miami Open.
Mathew McConaughey praised Paul's comeback and wrote on X:
“Looks like the early year @TommyPaul1 train is back on track after it was interrupted by the ankle. Looking good TP. Roll."
"I'm always happy to be back in Australia and to be in the quarterfinals again": Tommy Paul after Australian Open 3R win
Tommy Paul was thrilled after his third-round victory over Alejandro Davidovich Fokina at the 2025 Australian Open. He also expressed his excitement at reaching his third Grand Slam quarterfinal. The 12th-seeded American had previously made it to the semifinals of the Australian Open in 2023.
"I'm always happy to be back in Australia and to be in the quarter-finals again. It's amazing.This court is where I came through to my first quarter-final ever, and now my second one here in Australia on this court. So great memories on this court," he said after the match.
Paul will next face second-seeded Alexander Zverev in the quarterfinals on Tuesday (Jan. 21). This marks the fourth time Zverev has reached the quarterfinals of the Australian Open.
This will be the third encounter between Zverev and Paul, with the latter leading 2-0 in their head-to-head. The winner will face either Carlos Alcaraz or Novak Djokovic in the semifinals.