Carlos Alcaraz has cruised into the next round of the Miami Open after mass delays, and earned huge praise in the process.
It was a comprehensive result against Roberto Carballes Baena, winning 6-2, 6-1, and now has set up a mouth-watering clash with the in-form Gael Monfils in the Round of 32.
However, it was not just the result which impressed many, but the manner in which he went about claiming the victory.
Andy Murray was one such individual left stunned by the young Spaniard.
Carlos Alcaraz reacts to Andy Murray’s praise
Taking to X, the legendary 36-year-old simply wrote: ‘Watching Alcaraz play tennis makes me smile’.
Huge praise from such an ever-present and imperious presence within the sport, to garner such adulation is certainly the mark of a hugely talented individual.
But that is not new news, as the 20-year-old has already accomplished some supernatural feats, and seems destined for a sparkling future.
His modesty and humble nature will only aid him in that pursuit, as he offered the following response to such kind words from Murray: ‘Well, it’s great. As I say many times, I play for myself, I play for my team. But also I enjoy if the people enjoy watching my matches, my games.
‘For me, it’s pretty cool. I think for me it’s even better if a legend like Andy says something like this, that he enjoys watching my matches a lot. It’s crazy for me, honestly. I think he has seen a lot of tennis during his career, a lot of matches, a lot of players.
‘To see these words from him for me is great. It’s something I try to do in every match.’
A Sunshine Double awaits?
Well, it certainly seems like Alcaraz has recaptured his form after a six-month struggle which saw him questioned.
The youngster, who already has two Grand Slam titles to his name, shot to prominence with his teenage successes and the manner in which he pushed Novak Djokovic to his limits.
He is the challenger we had all been waiting for, ready to take the limelight from the big three, and since has strived to showcase his worth.
However, following his triumph at Wimbledon last year, a trophy drought emerged that only ended earlier this month at Indian Wells.
Having brushed aside Jannik Sinner and Daniil Medvedev on his way to the title, Alcaraz will now have ambitions of completing a Sunshine Double by maintaining his form throughout the Miami Open.
Receive exclusive tennis news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
