Carlos Alcaraz is back on the grass courts of West Kensington in London, where he will be defending the heavy trophy he lifted last summer before he would go on to win his first Wimbledon.

It may only be his second trip to Queen’s Club, but Alcaraz is fond of the tournament and has special memories. Last year marked the first time in his young career that he won a professional grass-court title when he defeated Alex de Minaur in the final.

This year, the tournament organizers and British fans expressed concerns that Alcaraz might elect not to return, given the short window of rest and recovery following his Roland Garros success less than two weeks ago.

But to their surprise, the Spaniard chose to compete and has warmed for his first-round match against Francisco Cerundolo by playing a practice set with three-time Grand Slam champion Andy Murray.

Murray has the best record of any player at the Cinch Championships, winning more matches and titles than any other player. This being the 37-year-old’s last appearance at the event, he is testing himself against the best on grass courts in the last 12 months.

Alcaraz is unbeaten on the surface in the past year, winning all 12 matches he played in 2023, culminating in his first Wimbledon title. But Murray showed why he is regarded as a stalwart on the grass by beating Alcaraz 5-3 in the practice set they played.

Alcaraz and Murray have met twice on the ATP Tour. The Briton won their first match in three sets at the 2021 Indian Wells Open before the young Spaniard exacted revenge later that year in Vienna.

Murray has revealed his admiration of Alcaraz in recent interviews and explained why he remains his favorite player to watch right now. With both players located on the same premises, it’s not a surprise that they chose to practice together.