Ahead of Andy Murray and Kim Sears' wedding this weekend, relatives of the tennis ace have opened up to HELLO! magazine about why the couple are a perfect love match. One excited family member, Andy's grandmother Shirley Erskine, has gone as far as to say that the pretty painter is "the best thing that's ever happened" to Andy.
Read the full interview in this week's issue of HELLO! magazine out now
"The whole family has taken to Kim," said Shirley, 81, whose daughter is Andy's mum Judy Murray. "She's very attractive, very artistic and so supportive."
Bride-to-be Kim has been going out with Andy for almost ten years, after meeting him in 2005 at a party for the US Open.
© Photo: Getty ImagesAndy Murray popped the question to Kim Sears with a three-carat diamond ring
The couple, who are tying the knot on Saturday 11 April, quietly dated for a year before going public with their relationship. Over the years Kim has been spotted cheering on her tennis pro love courtside, often alongside her future mother-in-law Judy.
Andy and Kim, both 27, now share a six-bedroom mansion in Oxshott, Surrey with their two border terriers.
"When you see [Andy and Kim] in their own home together they just seem to be so suited to one another," said grandmother Shirley. "They go out in their welly boots, walking the dogs. We've always seen them as a pair."
© Photo: Getty Images"The whole family has taken to Kim," Andy Murray's grandmother has revealed
The couple have decided to marry in Andy's hometown of Dunblane in Scotland, rather than in West Sussex where Kim grew up. The reception will then be held in Cromlix House – the five-star hotel that Andy bought in 2013 for £1.8million and later refurbished.
While Andy's older brother Jamie, also a professional tennis player, chose to marry in the country house hotel itself, the Wimbledon champion and Kim have decided to exchange vows at Dunblane Cathedral.
For the full interview, pick up this week's issue of HELLO! magazine, out now
Following the ceremony, Andy and Kim will make their way to Cromlix and be able to greet well-wishers, who are expected to line the streets in the hope of catching a glimpse of the newlyweds.
The Scotsman, who is currently ranked No. 3 in the world, proposed to his long-term love in November of last year, popping the question with an exquisite three-carat diamond ring.
To read the full interview and to see more photos, pick up a copy of this week's HELLO! magazine, out now.
