Andy’s baby joy
Is it a lucky omen for Wimbledon?
WIMBLEDON champion Sir Andy Murray starts his title defence today buoyed by the news his wife is expecting their second child.
The world number one and Kim, who married in 2015, already have 17-month-old daughter, Sophia. And bookmakers reckon they will have mixed doubles, making it odds-on their second child is a boy – with Tim, Robert and William the leading names.
On the eve of his title defence Sir Andy, 30, said: “We’re both obviously very happy and looking forward to it.”
The tennis ace is due on Centre Court to play unfancied Kazakhstan national and world number 134 Alexander Bublik in the first round. After pulling out of two warm-up matches due to ongoing hip problems, he assured fans he will be “fine to play”.
Asked if the excitement of his new child would affect his performance, he said: “No, I wouldn’t have thought so,” admitting his family had “known for some time”.
Family and friends say Sophia has been a lucky charm so fans hope news of an impending arrival will be a boost for the out of sorts champion who enters this year’s grand slam in uncertain form after crashing out of Queen’s in the first round last month.
Delighted
Yesterday his maternal grandmother Shirley Erskine, 82, said: “Naturally we are absolutely delighted.” And paternal grandmother Ellen Murray, 84, said: “I’m very happy – wee Sophia is a lovely wee thing so it will be nice for her to have a little brother or sister. It’ll be good company for her.” There are signs fatherhood has softened the previously prickly sportsman. Speaking after the birth of Sophia, Sir Andy said: “My child is more important to me and my wife is more important to me than a tennis match.” Earlier this month he revealed he missed Sophia’s first steps while playing overseas, also hinting the demands of travelling the world meant he missed her first words too. “Even when I’m away for a day I feel bad,” he said. I want to be there as much as I can.” Bookmaker Coral quoted odds of 500-1 that the new child follows in its father’s footsteps by winning Wimbledon. Spokesman John Hill said: “If the baby does go on to follow in father’s footsteps, it is likely to be very costly for us bookmakers.”
ANEW baby on the way and another Wimbledon Championship to win – so no pressure for Andy Murray as he walks out on court. Best of luck Sir Andy and congratulations to Lady Murray. Within a few years the family will be able to hold their own doubles matches.