Since his marriage to his longterm sweetheart, Andy Murray has allowed the public to see a softer side to his persona. As the tennis champion prepares to reclaim his Wimbledon title, he has also been telling interviewers that his happy personal life with Kim Sears has improved his game.
The sportsman married in April
On winning the final of the Madrid open against Rafael Nadal, the sportsman delighted the crowds by writing: "Marriage works" on the lens of the camera capturing the match.
“A lot of people have told me there’s the sort of ‘honeymoon period’, and it gets harder after that,” Andy told Sky Sports afterwards laughing. “But we’ve been together a very long time. Obviously getting married was the next step for us, and the tennis has gone well. I’ve always said that when the personal stuff and your private life is under control, and you’re happy, that helps your performances on the court.”
Andy Murray and his bride were congratulated by 3000 well-wishers
On Wednesday the sportsman looked on fine form as he practised with his pregant coach Amelie Mauresmo ahead of Wimbledon, which starts on Monday. He has just won the Queen tournament, traditional a warmer for England's most famous championship.
The sports star, who has been seeded third at Wimbledon, has taken to wearing his wedding ring tied through the laces of his left shoe because it leaves blister on his finger during matches. The Scotsman had been wearing it on a necklace but when that broke he came up with this novel solution.
Andy says he is playing better than ever ahead of Wimbledon which starts on Monday
He and Kim tied the knot in Scotland's wedding of the year, feted by 3000 well-wishers who lined the streets of his native Dunblane to see the happy couple. Andy wore a kilt and a huge smile, while his bride was beautiful in a fairytale Jenny Packham gown.
Before the wedding he had already shared his excitement with his followers by posting a series of hilarious emoticons on Twitter.