Get to know Matt

Matt Ebden, an Australian tennis champion, has had a year that dreams are made of. Reaching the pinnacle of his sport by securing the world number one ranking, winning a Grand Slam and taking gold for Australian in Paris, Ebden has solidified his place among the tennis elite. However, despite these remarkable achievements on the court, it’s his role as a father that has brought him the most fulfilment.

Reflecting on his journey to Olympic gold, Ebden describes the experience as “really mind blowing.” Competing in his first Olympics was a major goal he had set for himself over the past few years. Coming into the tournament with strong form, Grand Slam titles, and a number one ranking under his belt, he naturally had the confidence and expectation to aim for the gold. “Having my family along for the ride made it even more special,” Ebden shared. His wife, Kim, and son, Harvey, travel with him most of the year, and their presence in Paris for the Olympics was invaluable. “They supported me each day, and it became a little ritual after each win—Kim would pass Harvey down, and I’d throw him up in the air to celebrate. We kept that routine all the way through to the Olympic final.”

Ebden’s journey in tennis began at a very young age, deeply rooted in his family’s passion for sports. His parents, both avid tennis players, introduced him to the sport early on, and with two older sisters who also played tennis, it wasn’t long before Matt was hitting balls against the wall at the local tennis club. “I’d be hitting on the wall since I could walk, and then as soon as I could, I jumped on the tennis court,” he recalls. “I just loved it from the word go.” Growing up in a sporty family provided the perfect environment for him to develop his skills, with strong support from his sisters, family, and later, coaches.

As a father, Matt’s favourite moments with his son, Harvey, often involve swimming. “We’re in a lot of hotels and apartments with nice swimming pools, and he loves to swim, jump in, and splash me,” Ebden says. Daily trips to the park are also a highlight, where Harvey enjoys the slides, swings, and riding his scooter. Recently, the father-son duo has taken to wrestling on the bed, engaging in playful pillow fights that test Harvey’s strength.

Kim, Matt’s wife, describes him as a fun and hands-on dad. “Harvey loves to play with Matt. They’re always building things with Lego, and Matt’s always making up fun games, like the aeroplane game where he throws Harvey up in the air with his feet while lying down.” She adds, “Matt is always thinking of ways to make our lives easier and to make Harvey feel more at home on the road. He’s an amazing dad.”

In addition to his tennis accomplishments, Matt Ebden’s dedication to his family is evident in the joy and love he brings into their lives, making him not just a champion on the court, but also at home.

QCongratulations on the Olympic victory, tell us about those moments with Harvey when you tossed him up in the air after your win, where did that celebration come from?

ABack at home, we were doing a little family photoshoot earlier in the year, and it just became a routine that he loved. During the photoshoot, he laughed and smiled, and after winning, with all the excitement and adrenaline, I threw him up in the air like a three cheers. It became a fun little routine for us, and it seemed like everyone could share in that moment. We got some great photos and video footage of him with all that joy. It was nice for everyone and just a great way to celebrate.


QSince becoming a dad, you've won Grand Slams, reached world number one, and now earned a gold medal. There’s got to be something special about fatherhood, right?

AThere is definitely something very special about fatherhood. It’s changed me for the better. I think it’s the best thing anyone could ever do—having a child, whether it’s a girl or a boy. I always thought I had good experiences in my career and had a good perspective on life and how I approached things, but having Harvey changed all that for the better. Everything else becomes secondary, and I put him and the family way above everything. That has made me a better person—it frees you up, making you care less about distractions, even career or accomplishments.


QAre there any lessons from tennis that you apply to parenting?

AAbsolutely. In a professional sporting career, there are so many ups and downs, and you learn a lot about yourself. You learn patience, persistence, and perseverance. You also learn when to stay quiet or overcome challenges. Sometimes, if you want to react or get angry, you catch yourself, take a moment, and try to approach things calmly. This seems to help with Harvey—you try to understand what’s happening and calmly navigate, teach, and support him in his development, as well as our growth as parents.


QWhat are you most excited about as Harvey grows up?

AEach stage is exciting, and each one is just as good or even better than the last. From five weeks old to three months, then when travel starts, he begins eating solid food, starts crawling, walking, talking—all those little developmental phases. Harvey loves his books, tennis, being at the park, and seeing him interact with his cousins and friends—each stage of childhood is amazing.


Now lets hear from Kim

QPlease share with us the experience of the Olympics—what a wonderful family moment that was!

AIt was an incredible moment to share as a family, for Harvey to see his dad win a gold medal and experience the moment with him on the court was amazing—he had the biggest smile on his face. It was also wonderful that we got to share it with John Peers’ family as well. It was definitely a moment for the family to just share the excitement and the joy.