Fresh off his electrifying victory at the 2025 Queen’s Club Championships, Carlos Alcaraz, the world number two and reigning French Open champion, revealed a delightful off-court moment that added a lighthearted twist to his grass-court dominance. The 22-year-old Spaniard, who clinched his second Queen’s title by defeating Jiri Lehecka in a gripping 7-5, 6-7(5), 6-2 battle on June 22, 2025, celebrated his triumph in an unexpected way: a round of golf with none other than British tennis legend Andy Murray. This surprise meeting, which took place the day after Alcaraz’s victory, has sparked buzz among fans, offering a glimpse into the camaraderie between two of tennis’s biggest stars as they prepare for Wimbledon, set to begin on June 30.
The Queen’s Club Championships, held at the iconic Andy Murray Arena in London, saw Alcaraz extend his grass-court winning streak to an impressive 18 matches, cementing his status as a formidable force ahead of his Wimbledon title defense. His victory over Lehecka marked his fifth title of the season and his fourth on grass, drawing comparisons to grass-court greats like Murray and Roger Federer. “I came here with no expectations at all,” Alcaraz admitted post-match, emphasizing his goal was simply to “feel great on grass moving” and prepare for the All England Club. Yet, his commanding performance, highlighted by 18 aces and an unbreakable serve in the final three matches, sent a clear message to rivals like Novak Djokovic and Jannik Sinner.
After lifting the trophy, Alcaraz took a well-deserved break, trading his racket for a golf club. “I played some golf,” he shared with a grin when asked about his downtime between Queen’s and Wimbledon. “Actually, I played with Andy Murray on Monday and a few more players.” The impromptu golf outing, which occurred just a day after his Queen’s triumph, showcased the lighter side of Alcaraz’s preparation. When pressed on who won, Alcaraz chuckled, “I let him win!”—a playful nod to Murray’s competitive spirit. The two were joined by other players, though Alcaraz kept their identities under wraps, adding a touch of mystery to the gathering. This relaxed moment contrasted with the intensity of his three-hour, 26-minute quarter-final battle against Jaume Munar, where he quipped on the camera lens, “3h30 – were we on clay?” after enduring sweltering conditions.
The golf course rendezvous wasn’t just about fun; it highlighted Alcaraz’s admiration for Murray, a five-time Queen’s champion and two-time Wimbledon winner. Alcaraz has long cited Murray as an inspiration, particularly for his grass-court prowess. In 2023, he revealed watching videos of Murray and Federer to refine his movement on the surface, noting, “Roger and Andy for me are the best players that are moving great on grass.” This mentorship, whether through film study or casual meetups, underscores Alcaraz’s commitment to mastering grass, a surface where he now boasts a 24-3 career record. Murray, who has battled injuries but remains a beloved figure at Queen’s, added a nostalgic charm to the outing, especially as he nears retirement, with plans to play sparingly past this summer.
Beyond the golf course, Alcaraz spent his post-tournament days soaking in London’s vibe. “I just went to the centre a little bit. Walk around, have good food, and just having quality time with them doing some stuff that probably I wouldn’t be able to do while the tournament is on,” he said. This balance of relaxation and preparation reflects his approach to Wimbledon, where he aims to join an elite group—Murray, Federer, and Bjorn Borg among them—who have won three consecutive titles. “It feels great to be back here in Wimbledon as the defending champion,” Alcaraz said, brimming with confidence after his Queen’s success.
As Alcaraz gears up for his first-round match against Fabio Fognini at Wimbledon, the golf outing with Murray serves as a reminder of his ability to blend fierce competitiveness with off-court charm. Fans, already excited by his on-court heroics, are now buzzing about “Alcaranu”—his upcoming US Open mixed doubles partnership with Emma Raducanu—further amplifying his star power. Whether he’s sinking putts with Murray or firing aces on grass, Alcaraz’s journey to Wimbledon is as captivating off the court as it is on it, setting the stage for another thrilling chapter in his meteoric rise.
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