Jamie Murray will have been working hard in recent weeks, seeking to prepare the Queen’s Club Championships for the return of men’s tennis.
This last week saw women host their first event at the grounds since 1973, a historic accomplishment that has turned this event into a two-week festival of tennis.
However, Murray will have felt somewhat aggrieved when a handful of his biggest stars dropped out late in the day.
Fortunately, they still have Carlos Alcaraz to spearhead interest, having arrived this weekend at Queen’s fresh from his remarkable Roland Garros triumph.
Jamie Murray reveals Andy Murray’s career regret
Speaking on The Tennis podcast, live on Tennis Channel, they were delighted to welcome Jamie to speak about his tournament.
As the director, ensuring that they attract the biggest names is paramount to boosting ticket sales. So, to see some big names pull out of Queen’s must have been tough for the Scotsman.
He remains positive though, noting: ‘They’ve got a good field again. They obviously were unfortunate to lose both of our finalists from last year, which is unfortunate. Injuries obviously happen.
‘The fact that Carlos [Alcaraz] is here now, he’s on-site hitting just now actually, is a big thing for the tournament. He, I think, is the most popular player on the tour right now, regardless of ranking. I think for us to have him here will be a huge buzz for the event and just around the grounds in general over the next few days.’
Then asked about the Spaniard and how he was faring following his trip to Ibiza, Murray continued: ’I like the way he does it. In tennis, the season is so long, and there’s so many events to play that, you know, it’s easy to have your success and immediately start looking to the next event and preparing for that, and actually not taking the time to enjoy your success in that moment.
‘I think Andy, at times, regretted that when he looked back, he’s like, I wish I’d enjoyed that moment more. And, you know, I’m glad that he’s enjoying his time in the moment that it has come for him. And I think that’s a good kind of life balance, right?’
Carlos Alcaraz has already surpassed Andy Murray
It seems crazy that, at just 22 years old, Alcaraz has arguably already surpassed Andy Murray.
After all, the 38-year-old won just three Grand Slam titles and a further 14 Masters events. Already the reigning Wimbledon and French Open champion has five major titles and seven Masters titles too.
Andy Murray vs Carlos Alcaraz
| Andy Murray | Carlos Alcaraz | |
| Total titles | 46 | 20 |
| Grand Slam titles | 3 | 5 |
| Masters 1000 titles | 14 | 7 |
| Gold Medals | 2 | 0 |
| Current win rate | 65% | 77% |
However, Alcaraz has not yet overtaken the Brit in terms of legacy, with Murray’s impact on tennis still well-established.
He is arguably one of the most underrated players of all time, regularly looked down upon purely due to the generation in which he played.
Facing off against the three greatest players of all time, to snag three major titles from them marked an almighty feat. Not to mention that he was always the fourth star waiting for his chance, having lost a further eight finals in Grand Slams as well.
Alcaraz may well finish his career with many more titles, and a greater legacy in tennis.
But what Murray accomplished during his playing career should always be celebrated, as he spearheaded, almost single-handedly, a golden generation for British tennis.
