Andy Murray reveals he has played a ‘deciding’ golf match against Carlos Alcaraz

Kevin Palmer
Carlos Alcaraz and Andy Murray
Carlos Alcaraz and Andy Murray met up for a round of golf

Plenty of eyebrows were raised when it was revealed Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz played golf with former All England Club king Andy Murray the day before he started the defence of his title last Sunday.

It was an unusual approach from a top player on the eve of a Grand Slam and Alcaraz’s indifferent performance in his opening match against Fabio Fognini added to the debate around his decision.

Alacarz came through that tough test against the veteran Italian and he was asked about his golfing escapades after he beat Jan-Lennard Struff on Centre Court in his third round match.

“He beat me that day. He beat me in golf that day. But then a few days later, I beat him,” said Alcaraz.

“So, it’s 1-1. We are tied. We are tied. Will we play again? Let’s see. I love playing golf on my days off. I know he has a busy schedule.

“I will try to set up a golf round again, nine holes, and we will see who wins. We are tied at 1-1. We have to play again, absolutely.”

Now Murray has posted a message on his social media platform suggesting the decisive final golf match has taken place, with the tone of his message suggesting he may have come out on top.

Alcaraz has something of an unconventional style when it comes to pre-match routines, with his now annual plan to head to Ibiza to spend time with his friends after the French Open questioned by some former players.

It is not a normal approach at this hectic time in the tennis season, but Alcaraz insists he needs to be relaxed to play at his best when it really matters.

“It’s the middle of the season, so after the clay season, I think it is really, really intense, so after Roland Garros it is the best moment to go anywhere,” said Alcaraz as he spoke about his mid-season holiday.

“My friends are going to Ibiza every year, so I go to Ibiza as well. It doesn’t matter the place we go, it is time to refresh physically, mentally and go back to the grass season as good as I can.

“It was fun, but honestly, I was there more mentally than physically. I had fun, just three nights, three days, and I think that was more than enough.

“The craziest thing was probably staying out really late. I danced a bit, but nothing more than what a normal person would do.

“The point is to switch off mentally, recharge physically and come back ready for the grass season. After such a great but intense few weeks, having time to disconnect and have fun is really important for me.”

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