Roy Keane’s recent RTE interview with comedian Tommy Tiernan was a ratings hit for the national broadcaster and its global appeal proved a gift for English tennis star Dan Evans at the Australian Open.
Evans revealed that he watched the Corkman’s chat on The Tommy Tiernan Show during a three-hour heat break in his first round match against Argentina’s Facundo Bagnis.
Sitting in the Melbourne Park dressing room after the game was suspended in temperatures reaching 36C, the British No 2 received a YouTube notification on his phone to watch Keane’s interview.
“I had a bit of food, I showered and stretched out,” Evans told The Times.
“Then I had a lie down. I actually watched Roy Keane on that Tiernan show. It was quite a good 37 minutes.
"I had wanted to watch it as I had seen clips of it. I have not finished it.”
Evans went on to beat Bagnis 6-4 4-6 6-4 6-4 and also revealed he does not wear a cap because of his "big ears" after battling through the heat.
He toiled for nearly three hours to open up a two-sets-to-one lead against his opponent before the temperature threshold was met for a suspension of play that lasted from 2pm and 5pm.
A few Roy Keane words of wisdom later, and the 25th seeded Evans ensured he was not out on court for longer than was necessary, breaking serve in the seventh game for victory.
Evans was bothered by the sun on his serve from one end and, asked why he did not wear a cap, said: "I'm pretty good in the heat, doesn't bother me. I have just never worn a hat and I have never liked wearing one. Doesn't feel comfortable. Big ears, I guess.
"I was obviously very unlucky. I was first (on the schedule), and that's where the sun was, and it was super bright. I was messing around with the ball toss. That's probably the reason I lost the second set."
