Andy Murray has made Carlos Alcaraz stance clear as Djokovic prevails

Andy Murray has made his feelings on Carlos Alcaraz very clear

Andy Murray is a massive Carlos Alcaraz fan, despite celebrating his Australian Open quarter-final defeat on Tuesday. Novak Djokovic, who unveiled Murray as his new coach in November, produced one of his finest displays in recent years to clinch a stunning four-set victory over the young Spaniard under the lights at the Rod Laver Arena, all while battling a hamstring injury. The 24-time Grand Slam champion, 37, initially went a set down, but fought back to claim the next three and notch his fourth win over Alcaraz, 21, in five matches. Later in the day, footage emerged of Murray consoling Alcaraz in the gym after the contest, an act many on social media labelled "class". This comes as no surprise. The legendary Brit, 37, is - like most tennis fans - a long-standing admirer of Alcaraz. In March 2024, Murray wrote on X that watching the reigning Wimbledon and French Open champion in action made him "smile".

Stay up-to-date with the latest Tennis news Join us on WhatsApp Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our Privacy Policy

In response, Alcaraz admitted he was flattered to receive high praise from such a gifted and "legendary" player. "As I said many times, I play for myself and I play for my team. But also I enjoy it if people enjoy watching my matches. It's pretty cool," he said. "I think for me it's even better if a legend like Andy says something like this, that he enjoys watching my matches. It's crazy, honestly. He has seen a lot of tennis during his career. Seeing these words from him for me is great. It's something I try to do in every match." A few days later, Murray further lauded the youngster while speaking to Tennis Channel. "I love watching Alcaraz 'cause of the way that he plays the game," he said. "He's just got so much variety and power, and he tries stuff. He doesn't always get it right; he makes mistakes, and that is also something that I enjoy. You never know what’s going to come next."

Djokovic booked his place in the Australian Open semi-finals by beating Alcaraz

Djokovic's win saw him secure a spot in the Australian Open semi-final for a whopping 12th time. There he'll face World No. 2 Alexander Zverev, and a victory against the German will move him to within one win of a record-breaking 25th title. However, he said he was "concerned" he wouldn't be fit for Friday's clash after picking up an injury against Alcaraz. Speaking in his post-match press conference, Djokovic, who was seen limping throughout the contest, said the injury was "very similar" to the three centimetre tear in his left hamstring injury he suffered on his way to the title in 2023. "If I had lost the second set, I don't know if I would have continued playing," he admitted. "Now it's really about recovery. I'll take it day by day. I'm concerned. I am, to be honest, physically. The doctor gave me some painkillers. That kicked in after 20, 30 minutes. It did help. Then I had to take another dose I think in the beginning of the fourth.

SUBSCRIBE Invalid email We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy

Murray was seen cheering Djokovic on from the sidelines

Click here to read article