Andy Murray and Carlos Alcaraz’s paths only crossed on two occasions on the ATP Tour, but the iconic Scot managed to break new ground during their first match.
Murray has been full of praise for Alcaraz ever since the Spaniard broke through into the ATP Tour in 2020.
Alcaraz and Murray have shared one win apiece from their matches in 2021 when they met at Indian Wells and the Vienna Open.
During their first meeting, Murray pulled out the first underarm serve of his entire career against the future World No. 1.
Andy Murray won a game by hitting an underarm serve against Carlos Alcaraz
Murray and Alcaraz’s first meeting at Indian Wells was a true clash of eras as the multiple-time Grand Slam champion met the star who would go on to dominate the game.
The Scot ended up winning a competitive clash at the American tournament, earning a place in the quarter-finals after a three-set contest.
During the match, Murray took advantage of Alcaraz’s deep stance in the court by hitting the first underarm serve of his career.
The ball dribbled over the net and earned Murray the game, as Alcaraz looked on with a wry smile on his face.
History was made at Indian Wells as Murray produced the shot for the first time in his career, and he would implement it more times in the latter stages of his career.
Murray hit the shot against James Duckworth in the first round of Wimbledon in 2022, and he defended his choice after the match.
Andy Murray often defended the use of the underarm serve
Although legal, the underarm serve is often controversial among players and tennis fans and Murray found himself defending the use of the shot at Wimbledon.
“I don’t know why people have ever found it potentially disrespectful,” he said in his Wimbledon press conference after navigating past Duckworth in the first round.
“I’ve never understood that. It’s a legitimate way of serving. I would never use an underarm serve if someone was standing on the baseline because I think it’s a stupid idea because they’re going to track it down and it’s easy to get.”
The underarm serve is still alive and well in the game today, with Alexander Bublik making a name for himself with the shot.
