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At the Maple Leafs' training camp, Auston Matthews jokingly challenged teammate Matthew Knies about their tennis matches. Matthews called out Knies for saying he "smoked" him, claiming Knies was exaggerating.
“He’s never beaten me in tennis; you can tell him I said that,” Matthews said.
He remembered how Knies walked into the gym bragging about his supposed wins. He told Knies he couldn't believe how he'd lied to the media.
Reporters laughed as they asked Matthews how good Knies is at tennis. Matthews agreed Knies is a good player but stuck to his claim.
“We’ve been playing the last couple of weeks, but he straight up lied to you guys. I don’t know what else to say but it is what it is," he said, smiling.
Knies earlier mentioned their connection in Arizona and how they often play tennis together in the offseason.
“I was into tennis when I was a kid, so I knew how to play. “And then I got here. He always invites me over, and I’ve been smoking him since,” Knies said per the Toronto Star, talking about Matthews’ invites.
Matthews clearly enjoyed the light moment as the media session went on.
Auston Matthews on playing tennis with Steve Nash
Auston Matthews is improving his offseason training by playing tennis with Steve Nash in Phoenix. On the "32 Thoughts" podcast on September 10, Matthews shared how they became friends.
He mentioned that Nash is a skilled player. Despite their 24-year age difference, their matches are competitive. Matthews also admired Nash’s one-handed backhand.
“I played with Steve Nash a couple times this summer,” Matthews said (via 32 Thoughts Podcast) . “He’s actually my neighbor in Phoenix.”
“Not too many guys in Arizona are playing tennis in the middle of the day,” Matthews added. “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 of fun to play with.”
Matthews also discussed his leadership approach with the Maple Leafs. He is not the loudest voice in the locker room but feels more confident to speak up. He wants to lead by example and set high standards for the team.
His friendship with teammates like Max Domi, who also enjoys tennis, helps strengthen team bonds.
