Tennis and Hollywood have always had a fascinating intersection, with numerous A-list celebrities expressing their love for the sport. Yet, the recent admiration expressed by Oscar-winning actor Matthew McConaughey for tennis star Jessica Pegula stands out as a delightful surprise.
Actors like Zendaya, Rebel Wilson, Steve Carrell, Ben Stiller, and Russell Crowe have openly flaunted their fondness for tennis. Joining this list is Matthew McConaughey, the acclaimed actor from “Interstellar” and “Dallas Buyers Club.” McConaughey’s passion for tennis isn’t new. If you’ve been keeping up with ATP pro Tommy Paul’s career, you’re probably aware of the accolades he’s received from McConaughey. But, the actor’s recent cameo at the ATX Open on Saturday, passionately supporting WTA pro Jessica Pegula, has the tennis world buzzing.
Pegula’s journey in the 2025 season began with a setback when she lost to Madison Keys in the Adelaide International. Yet, she displayed resilience, bouncing back to reach the second final of her season after overpowering Ajla Tomljanović in the semi-finals in Austin, scoring a 6-1, 4-6, 6-3 victory. Adding to the excitement was the presence of McConaughey, cheering her from the stands.
Pegula was visibly thrilled, expressing her surprise and delight during a courtside interview. She jokingly expressed her hope for a shoutout from the actor, similar to what he did for Tommy Paul. And McConaughey didn’t disappoint. He took to social media to express his support for Pegula, announcing his anticipation for the final match. Pegula’s prompt reaction was one of gratitude, thanking the actor for his support.
McConaughey’s support for tennis extends beyond the American players. He is a known admirer of the Serbian sensation and often referred to as the “GOAT,” Novak Djokovic. The actor has praised Djokovic’s remarkable performances, even during the times when injury sidelined the Serbian star.
One of the memorable moments came during the 2024 French Open when Djokovic was forced to withdraw due to a knee injury. Despite this, his performance left a strong impression on McConaughey, who hailed him as “more than a mental machine.” The bond between the two extends off the court as well, with McConaughey cheering for Djokovic from the player’s box during the 2023 US Open.
An avid tennis enthusiast and a casual player, McConaughey’s passion for the game is evident. His social media posts often reflect his love for tennis, complete with pictures from the court and casual chats with tennis icons like Djokovic.
McConaughey’s unexpected fandom for Jessica Pegula is yet another proof of his deep-rooted love for tennis. Now the question that remains is, will his support result in a surge of performance for the American tennis star? Only time will tell.
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