18 August 2024
Matt dreamt of winning Olympic Gold and Harvey does too
Matt Ebden, an Australian tennis champion, has enjoyed a year that athletes dream of. His journey in the sport has seen him reach the pinnacle of his career, securing the world number one ranking, winning a Grand Slam, and capturing Olympic gold for Australia in Paris. These remarkable achievements have solidified his place among tennis’s elite. Yet, despite his success on the court, Ebden finds his greatest fulfilment in his role as a father.
Reflecting on his journey to Olympic gold, Ebden describes the experience as “really mind-blowing.” Competing in his first Olympics was a significant goal he had set for himself over the past few years. “Playing in the Olympics was always something I dreamed of,” Ebden shared. “It’s one thing to win titles and achieve rankings, but representing your country on such a massive stage like the Olympics is something else entirely.” 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. “I was in great form, and everything just clicked. But having my family there made the whole experience even more special,” he said.
Ebden’s wife, Kim, and their son, Harvey, have been a constant source of support throughout his career. They travel with him most of the year, making the sacrifices that come with life on the tennis circuit. 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 recalls with a smile.
Matt’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. “I’d be hitting on the wall since I could walk, and then as soon as I could, I jumped on the tennis court,” Ebden reminisces. With two older sisters who also played tennis, it wasn’t long before Matt was immersed in the sport at the local tennis club. “I just loved it from the word go,” he says. 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. “My family has always been my biggest supporters. They were there from the very beginning, and they’re still with me every step of the way,” he shares.
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. For Ebden, being a father is not just a role—it’s a privilege. “Tennis has given me so much, but my family is everything,” he reflects. “At the end of the day, coming home to Kim and Harvey is the greatest reward of all.”
As a father, Ebden’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. “Harvey has a lot of energy, and it’s great to have those moments where we can just be silly together,” he adds.
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.”
After Matt won the Olympic final, Harvey’s admiration for his father reached new heights. “For the next few days, Harvey kept saying, ‘Dad, I want a gold medal!’” Kim laughs. “It’s moments like those that make everything worthwhile.”
Matt Ebden often speaks about how being a father has changed his perspective on life and his career. “Becoming a dad has brought so much joy and purpose to my life,” Ebden shares. “Tennis is something I love and dedicate myself to, but being a father is on a whole different level. It’s made me more patient, more resilient, and more grateful for everything I have. When I’m on the court, I’m playing not just for myself, but for my family. Knowing that Harvey is watching, that he looks up to me, gives me that extra motivation to give my best every single day.” For Ebden, the most rewarding part of fatherhood is witnessing his son grow and learn, and being there to guide him through it all. “Watching Harvey discover the world, helping him navigate his little challenges—those are the moments that make me feel truly accomplished.”
