Has Davis Cup hero Andy won himself a knighthood?
CLAMOUR grew for Andy Murray to be knighted yesterday after he helped Great Britain to a historic tennis win.
The world No 2 sparked scenes of feverish celebration after earning the country its first Davis Cup in 79 years.
Collapsing to the floor with his head in his hands, Murray was unable to contain his emotion as he sealed victory over Belgium watched by his ecstatic wife Kim and proud mother Judy.
Amid the triumph there was an immediate call for him to be given a knighthood.
Coral last night offered odds of 6/4 on the former Wimbledon champion becoming Sir Andy Murray in the New Year, with Lord Sugar leading the calls on Twitter.
The Apprentice star posted: ‘Well done @ andy_murray I am suggesting to the PM to award you with a Knighthood #sirandy’.
The 28-year- old Scot, who backed independence in the referendum, also emphasised his loyalty to the whole country. ‘I just can’t believe we did it. I play some of my best tennis when I’m playing for my country,’ he beamed.
Murray helped win Britain’s first title since 1936 following a closely-fought match against David Goffin at the Flanders Expo stadium in Ghent.
Sealing victory in three sets, he fell to the floor sobbing as he embraced his teammates and was lifted aloft in celebration while fans lined up to take selfies with the player.
His 27-year- old wife Kim, looking elegant in a white dress, cheered from the stands where she sat a few seats from mother-in-law Judy. As ever, the world reacted to the victory on Twitter.
Mrs Murray, whose son Jamie was also part of the team, simply posted the message: ‘mission accomplished’. When asked online by comedian
‘Great Britain’s tennis knight’
Miranda Hart if she was crying, she responded: ‘Obviously x.’ Among the fans who called for a knighthood on Twitter, Ashok Lalla wrote: ‘Take a bow Sir @ andy_ murray, now undoubtedly Great Britain’s tennis knight.’
When the subject was men- tioned at a press conference yesterday, the tennis star appeared less than impressed, raising a sceptical eyebrow.
Congratulations were sent by giants of the sport, David Cameron and Harry Potter author JK Rowling.
Boris Becker said: ‘Amazing Andy Murray! U guys made history.’ The Prime Minister said it was ‘thrilling for everyone in the country’. GB team captain Leon Smith, who coached Murray as a junior, was asked afterwards what he thought about a knighthood and joked: ‘Me or him?’
But not everyone agreed. Ryan Sheader tweeted: ‘A Knight of the British Empire for a sportsman who was/is pro Scottish independence? He’d turn it down, surely.’
Many will remember Murray’s contribution to the debate on Scottish independence when he posted a message saying: ‘Lets [sic] do this.’
Last night he was a patriot to the end, declaring that representing his country brought out the best in him – just as it did during his memorable surge to a gold medal at the London 2012 Olympics.
The two-time grand- slam champion added: ‘It’s obviously an amazing feeling. I imagine it will take a few days before it really sinks in.
‘I probably haven’t been as emotional as that after a match that I’ve won.’
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