"Hits a one-hand backhand kinda like Federer" - Auston Matthews reveals his new $95M worth tennis partner

By Abhilasha Aditi

Modified Sep 11, 2024 15:00 GMT

Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews sharpened more than just his hockey skills this summer. He spent his time playing tennis with Canadian basketball legend Steve Nash whose net worth is $95 million per celebritynetworth.com. Despite playing different sports, the two athletes found common ground in their love for tennis.

Matthews first connected with Nash through former Leafs coach Manny Malhotra. Malhotra is married to Nash's sister, Joann. Matthews and Nash quickly bonded over tennis after realizing they lived near each other in Phoenix.

They often played tennis together in Arizona. Matthews mentioned Nash’s smooth one-hand backhand and compared it to Roger Federer’s style.

"Not too many guys in Arizona are playing tennis in the middle of the day," Matthews said (via 32 Thoughts podcast). "He hits like a one-hand backhand kinda like Federer. He's pretty smooth. He loves it, too. He's much better than me, but he's a lot fun to play with."

While Matthews focused on tennis, he also hinted at altering his training for the upcoming NHL season. However, he didn’t share specific details. Matthews was named the Maple Leafs' new captain in August. His family traveled to Toronto to witness the special moment.

Matthews has always led by example, but he knows he will have to speak up more often as captain. He feels more comfortable using his voice in the locker room and recognizes his influence on the team.

Though the Maple Leafs have faced playoff struggles, Matthews remains confident.

"I'm extremely confident in it, despite maybe the lack of post-season success over the years," Matthews concluded.

Matthews is hopeful about the team's future with training camp approaching.

Tavares stepped down for Auston Matthews to become Leafs captain

John Tavares stepped down as Toronto Maple Leafs captain, passing the role to Auston Matthews. Tavares told Matthews in July he believed Matthews was ready to lead. Tavares fully supported the decision and wanted Matthews to take over.

"I just wanted to let him know what I thought about him and that I thought the time was now for him to take charge and be the captain and be the leader of our club and how ready he was for it," Tavares said per NHL.com

General manager Brad Treliving first suggested the idea, and Tavares agreed. Matthews is the first U.S.-born captain in the Leafs' history. Tavares will now serve as an alternate captain.