“I would imagine Alcaraz would be right at the top of the game for as long as he wants to play” – Murray

The three-time Grand Slam champion hopes that Alcaraz can continue to play his free-flowing style as he matures

Carlos Alcaraz at the 2023 BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells Image Credit: AI/Reuters/Panoramic

March 23, 2023

Carlos Alcaraz returned to the top of the world rankings on Sunday after winning his third ATP Masters Series title at Indian Wells. Having missed the last two big events on the calendar – the season-ending ATP Finals and the Australian Open – due to injury, the triumph was a stark reminder that when the 19-year-old is in the mix, he is among the best, if not the best player, in the world and three-time Grand Slam winner Andy Murray believes the Spaniard is here to stay for a long time.

Murray was asked to assess Alcaraz on Wednesday after going down to Dusan Lajovic in the first round of the Miami Masters and the Brit was clear that the Spaniard has a game that suits all surfaces.

“He (Alcaraz) has an excellent game, an all-around game that I think will translate well onto all surfaces,” Murray said. “He’s not the biggest guy, but he can serve big. He’s an unbelievable mover, great athlete. Has a lot of variety in his game. Takes the ball on a lot. That’s something that you hope that he keeps that. I know from experience that it’s a bit easier playing that way when you’re sort of 18, 19, and there’s not sort of any scar tissue there. I hope that he maintains that style of play because it’s exciting to watch.”

Andy Murray Indian Wells — Icon SMI / Panoramic

“He’s obviously so far in his young career doing better than most of the guys that have come the last sort of eight to 10 years. I know a lot of people are sorting expecting everyone to win 20-plus Grand Slams now, like that’s sort of normal. I wouldn’t predict that for anyone. I would imagine he would be right at the top of the game for, well, as long as he wants to play,” added Murray, who has a 1-1 record against the reigning US Open champion.

Alcaraz opens his campaign for a second consecutive Miami Open title with a second round clash against Argentina’s Facundo Bagnis on Friday.

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