Tennis legend’s classy, behind scenes act caught on camera, goes viral

Andy Murray skipped out on Novak Djokovic to perform an act of class that was caught on camera at the Australian Open.

Andy Murray skipped out on Novak Djokovic’s on-court interview in order to seek out Carlos Alcaraz — the man he’d just helped to be taken down.

The Scottish tennis legend watched on as the 24-time grand slam champ put on a masterclass to outlast the Spanish star 4-6 6-4 6-3 6-4 in a quarter-final blockbuster at Rod Laver Arena on Tuesday night.

Murray and Djokovic have been strange bedfellows since Murray took up the job of coaching the 37-year-old as he chases an 11th Aussie Open championship.

However, Murray clearly had somewhere more important to be when Jim Courier stepped onto court to interview Djokovic following the match.

The cameras in the players’ locker room facility underneath Rod Laver Arena captured the moment Murray tracked down Alcaraz as the 21-year-old completed his cool down on an exercise bike well after 1am (AEDT).

You can watch Murray’s act in the video player above.

Murray walked over and said something that brought a smile onto Alcaraz’s face as they shook hands.

Leading tennis journalist Jose Morgado posted on X: “Class act from Andy Murray, meeting Carlos Alcaraz in the gym after the match”.

Andy Murray tracked down Carlos Alcaraz. Photo: YouTube, Australian Open.

Video of the heartwarming moment has gone viral with one version of the video shared by the Australian Open on Twitter being viewed more than 700,000 times.

Murray also shared a fierce hug with Djokovic as the Serbian walked to his coaches box immediately after embracing Alcaraz at the net following match point.

For two players who went to war on the court 36 times (with Djokovic winning 25 of those) before Murray’s retirement it was a delight for tennis fans to see.

“I feel more and more connected with Andy every day,” Djokovic said after the match.

“We face challenges every single day; people don’t see that obviously.

“We try to make the most out of every day and grow together.”

Djokovic also spoke about how significant Murray’s role was in helping him topple the player 16 years’ younger than himself.

“He’s been as committed to my career and this tournament as he can be, so it (the hug) was a gesture of appreciation and respect for him and the fact that he’s out there and he doesn’t need to be — and that he accepted to work with me and that he’s giving all his support to me, to the whole team, and trying to make it work,” Djokovic said of the embrace.

Strange bedfellows. Photo: Martin KEEP / AFP.

Novak Djokovic was in a hugging mood. Picture: Michael Klein.

“This was a huge win for all of us, including Andy and myself, for the relationship.

“That’s why I went to him because I felt very grateful that he is there.”

Djokovic had to come back from the brink of retirement as he battled an early leg injury, which he refused to give details about in his post-match press conference.

The three hours and 37 minute firefight had everything — and Djokovic said the contest was worthy of a grand slam final.

“I just wish this match today was the final. I don’t know if Sascha [Alexander] Zverev is still awake and watching,” he said.

“This was one of the most epic matches I’ve played on any court, really.”

He said in his press conference: “The crowd was into it. So much energy on the court. It was amazing. It felt like it was finals of a slam, to be honest.

“I wish it was. I mean, credit to him for fighting. I think we both gave all on the court tonight. Hopefully people saw that.”

The victory puts Djokovic through to a semi-final match against No. 2 seed Zverev and leaves him two matches away from winning back his crown as the “King of Melbourne Park”.