The tennis world was sent into a frenzy after Judy Murray, mother of former world No.1 Andy Murray, made candid and unexpected remarks about Spanish superstar Carlos Alcaraz.
Carlos Alcaraz is one of several top players who dislike the 11-month tennis calendar and has often censured it, blaming it for players’ struggles to produce quality tennis on a consistent basis. He also thinks the hectic schedule forces them to play through injuries for the fear of losing ranking points.
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So whenever he gets some free time, he doesn’t stop himself from enjoying it to the fullest. The Spaniard often flew to Ibiza to party during the small gap that players get after the clay-swing and before the grass-swing. Because he likes to party, many in the tennis world have questioned his work ethic and are even worried that partying could distract him from tennis.
But Andy Murray‘s mom, Judy Murray, doesn’t share the same opinion. Judy said Alcaraz, in fact, is doing the right thing by celebrating his success, something that her son wished he could have done more.
I have really enjoyed watching Carlos Alcaraz go to Ibiza because I celebrate with my friends, or I go and play golf. I love that, because there is more to life than just tennis. The calendar is so stacked now, and there is so little space to enjoy.
Judy Murray said during the Tennis Insider Club podcast
Alcaraz will next be seen in action in March for the Indian Wells Masters, which is scheduled to start on March 4. He will be chasing his third title in the tournament following success in 2023 and 2024. Last year, his campaign was ended by eventual champion Jack Draper in the semifinals.
I know one of the things that Andy said after his career was that he wished he had more time to enjoy the successes. You win on a Sunday, and you pack your bags and ship out that night. You don’t even have time to go out for dinner to celebrate. I think you need the fun stuff as well!
Judy Murray added
Alcaraz kick-started his 2026 season in emphatic fashion, winning two titles in back-to-back tournaments. He clinched both the Australian Open and the Qatar Open for the first time in his career.
Julien Benneteau warns Carlos Alcaraz to be wary of Jannik Sinner during the Sunshine Doubles
Former ATP player Julien Benneteau thinks things went a bit downhill for Jannik Sinner because of his failed Australian Open run. The four-time Major champion was chasing his third consecutive title to join Novak Djokovic in becoming only the second man in the Open Era to do so at Melbourne Park.
Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz
Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz (Image via X/Jannik Sinner HQ, Carlos Alcaraz 4K)
But it was the Serb who knocked him out in five sets in the semifinals, snapping his five-match losing streak. Benneteau is convinced of Sinner’s ability to deal with setbacks and return to the tour stronger than before, which is why he has warned Sinner’s rivals, including Alcaraz, to be wary of the South Tyrol native in the two Sunshine Doubles events.
I don’t think I’ve ever seen him this strong. Then again, three weeks before the start of the season, it was Sinner who beat him in the Masters final. There isn’t a world of difference between the two. Sinner might be a tiny bit off his game, and he took a hit by losing to Djokovic in the Australian Open semi-finals. But on the American tour with the Masters 1000 tournaments in Indian Wells and Miami, he’ll be a force to be reckoned with. He’s not going to lose in the round of 16 or the quarter-finals every time.
Julien Benneteau told RMC Sports
Sinner, however, has yet to win the Indian Wells Masters, reaching just two semifinals. He won the Miami title in 2024.
