Andy Murray hailed after 'pure class' gesture for devastated Carlos Alcaraz
Andy Murray is coaching his former rival Novak Djokovic at the Australian Open and the Brit has been hailed for consoling Carlos Alcaraz after he was knocked out of the tournament by Djokovic
by Matthew Cooper · The MirrorTennis fans have praised Andy Murray after he consoled Carlos Alcaraz following his defeat to Novak Djokovic at the Australian Open.
The World No.3 was beaten 4-6 6-4 6-3 6-4 by Djokovic at the Rod Laver Arena, with the Serb coming from a set down to keep his hopes of winning an 11th Australian Open title alive. And Murray, who has been coaching Djokovic after retiring from tennis, made a point of consoling Alcaraz after the game.
Footage has gone viral on social media showing a clearly devastated Alcaraz warming down on an exercise bike in the gym. In the clip, Murray approaches the Spaniard and gives him a handshake, prompting Alcaraz to start smiling.
Alcaraz is a big fan of Murray's and fans have hailed the Brit for his sportsmanship, with one writing: "Murray really is a considerate soul." A second added: "So nice to start seeing such great sportsmanship in the world lately."
A third said: "Pure class from Andy Murray. A terrific role model." Another added: "Game recognises game one superstar in the making and one childhood hero." A fifth wrote: "Love Sir Andy! Amazing human being and a true legend"
Murray also shared a big hug with Djokovic immediately after his victory and the Serbian highlighted the influence his new coach has been having on him in the post-match press conference.
"I feel more and more connected with Andy every day," he said. "We face challenges every single day. People don't see that obviously. I mean, we try to make the most out of every day and grow together.
"He's been as committed to my career and this tournament as he can be. So it (the hug) was kind of a, yeah, gesture of appreciation, respect for him, and the fact that he's out there, and he doesn't need to be. He accepted to work with me.
"He's giving all his support to me, to the whole team, and trying to make it work. This was a huge win for all of us, including Andy and myself, you know, for the relationship. Yeah, that's why I went to him, because I just felt very grateful that he's there."
Djokovic will now take on Alexander Zverev in the semi-finals on Friday, with World No.2 reaching the final four after he defeated Tommy Paul 7-6 (7-1) 7-6 (7-0) 2-6 6-1 in a hard-fought quarter-final clash.
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