Andy Murray shows true colours with Carlos Alcaraz gesture behind scenes at Australian Open

Andy Murray was filmed commiserating Carlos Alcaraz after his loss to Novak Djokovic at the Australian Open.

In a battle of the generations, the 21-year-old Spaniard met his match in the form of 24-time Grand Slam winner Djokovic during the pair’s Melbourne quarter-final clash.

World No. 3 Alcaraz took the opening set 6-4, but the resurgent 37-year-old instantly clapped back in what is his favourite tournament and rattled off the following three sets 6-4, 6-3 and 6-4 to taste a well-deserved but toughly-fought victory.

Djokovic would need the help of his new coach, Murray, to even stand after the over three-and-half-hour battle - which lasted until 1am local time - having sustained an injury in the final set. Coach Murray’s compassion was then on show after the contest had ended as he went over to comfort the felled prodigy Alcaraz during his cool-down.

After the momentous quarter-final, Alcaraz was filmed away from the court in the aftermath, slowly riding an exercise bike with his coach. Djokovic’s newly-appointed peer, Murray, then took it upon himself to head in the Spaniard's direction, giving him a firm handshake and comforting embrace, showing off the respect they have for one another and the Scottish icon’s kind heart.

Murray wasn't the only one to send plaudits in the way of Djokovic’s opponent as the Serbian himself also acted in a complementary manner after his victory. "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 admitted.

"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."

The epic clash saw Djokovic visibly injured as it reached its gruelling finals stages, though, after praising Alcaraz, the 37-year-old was reluctant to reveal the extent of his ailment. "Since I'm still in the tournament, I don't want to reveal too much obviously," he revealed. "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."