When it comes to standout tennis, Carlos Alcaraz is firmly on top. Fresh off his second US Open title earlier this month, the Spaniard leapfrogged rival Jannik Sinner to reclaim the No.1 crown. His 2025 season sparkles with two Grand Slam titles, pushing his career tally to 23 tour titles. His fearless game and jaw-dropping drop shots keep fans in awe. Even Andy Murray admits the 22-year-old makes him feel a little nostalgic.

The former British No.1, who won three Grand Slams and was once part of the Big Four alongside Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic, is now retired. These days, you’ll more likely find him on the golf course than on a tennis court. He spoke to The Sunday Times on September 20, reflecting on life after hanging up the racket at the Paris Olympics last year.

Between having fun with his kids and playing golf, Murray also joked about Carlos Alcaraz as a golfer. But his tennis? That left him thinking. “He’s a very average golfer, unfortunately for him, but his tennis reminds me of my favourite footballer growing up and I got to see live a few times, which was Ronaldinho,” Murray said. That’s huge praise!

For those who didn’t follow football in the 2000s, Ronaldinho was Brazil’s magician. A legend of flair and joy, he twice won FIFA World Player of the Year and the Ballon d’Or. He played 97 times for Brazil, scoring 33 goals. The Samba magician lifted the 2002 World Cup, the 1999 Copa América, the 2005 Confederations Cup, the Champions League, the Copa Libertadores, and the Ballon d’Or – a complete trophy cabinet. He retired in 2018, but most people remember him playing the game with a smile.

At just 22, Carlos Alcaraz already owns six Grand Slam titles: Two each at the French Open, Wimbledon, and the US Open. He’s one of the brightest stars in tennis and a global sports icon. Murray sees more than just the Spaniard’s wins. He credits his charisma and flair for entertaining crowds like Ronaldinho, the dazzling winger from Barcelona and AC Milan.

“They’ve got all of this skill and ability, they obviously want to win, but they play with a smile on their face. If the moment comes to do something entertaining they will, and I think that’s what makes them so absorbing because you never know what is going to happen next, so I particularly enjoy watching him.” Murray added.

Now, fresh from his US Open triumph and return to world No.1, Alcaraz pulls on the Team Europe shirt for the Laver Cup. Last year, he competed well and became part of major finals like his Wimbledon match against Sinner. This year, though, looks more like a battle.

Carlos Alcaraz faces a surprise upset against Fritz

Alcaraz’s blazing 13-match winning streak finally hit a wall on Saturday night at the Laver Cup. Fresh off his US Open triumph, Team World’s Taylor Fritz defeated the Spaniard in San Francisco. Playing for Team Europe, Alcaraz racked up 19 unforced errors in 17 matches, almost double Fritz’s 10, according to ATP’s official site. Fritz came out aggressive and nailed 17 winners, including five aces.

Reflecting on the loss, Alcaraz admitted the night didn’t go his way. He didn’t hesitate to praise his opponent, either. “Taylor played a great match, really solid, playing aggressively when he could. I think everything went to his side, so I had to congratulate him and say that he played a much better game than I did,” Carlos Alcaraz added. For Fritz, it was a statement win. It was a reminder for Alcaraz that even the world No.1 can have an off night.

Now, as the Laver Cup heads into its final day, the drama builds. Team World holds a 9-6 lead, leaving Team Europe with work to do if they want to hold on to the crown they reclaimed last year. Will Alcaraz rally his teammates for one last push before he jets off to the Tokyo Open? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!