Andy Murray was caught on camera consoling Carlos Alcaraz following his defeat to Novak Djokovic at the Australian Open.
In a clash of generations, the 21-year-old Spaniard found himself outmatched by the 24-time Grand Slam champion Djokovic, 37, in their Melbourne quarter-final showdown. World No. 3 Alcaraz clinched the first set 6-4, but a resurgent Djokovic quickly retaliated in what has proven to be his favourite tournament, securing the next three sets 6-4, 6-3 and 6-4 to claim a hard-earned victory.
The Serbian required assistance from his new coach, Murray, just to stand up after the gruelling match that lasted over three-and-a-half hours and ended at 1am local time due to a hamstring injury. Coach Murray’s empathy was evident post-match as he comforted the defeated prodigy Alcaraz during his cool-down.
Alcaraz was filmed off-court in the aftermath, leisurely cycling on an exercise bike alongside his coach. Djokovic’s newly-appointed colleague took it upon himself to approach the Spaniard, offering him a firm handshake and comforting hug, demonstrating the mutual respect between them and the Scottish legend’s compassionate nature.
Murray wasn’t the only one dishing out praise to Djokovic’s challenger, as the Serbian ace himself had only kind words post-match. “Firstly, I want to give my utmost respect and admiration for Carlos and everything he stands for – and what he has achieved so far in his young career,” Djokovic said.
“What a terrific guy he is and an even better competitor… I just wish that this match today was the final, honestly. It’s one of the most epic matches I’ve played on this court – on any court, really.”
Djokovic kept details about his condition under wraps after seeing off Alcaraz. “Since I’m still in the tournament, I don’t want to reveal too much obviously,” he admitted.
“The medication started to kick in, and it helped, no doubt. If I’d have lost the second set, I don’t know if I would have continued playing. But I felt better and better and played a great couple of games to take the second set. I saw that Carlos was a little hesitant from the back of the court, and I took my chances and started to feel better and move better.
“When the medication wears off, I’ll see what the reality is tomorrow morning. But right now I’ll just try to be in the moment and enjoy this victory.”
Djokovic faces Alexander Zverev in the last four, and victory there would move him to within one win of clinching a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam title. The Belgrade native is currently tied on 24 with legendary female player Margaret Court.