NEW BAWLS AS ANDY TURNS UP THE HEAT

Baby joy for Brit ace Sunshine all the way

WIMBLEDON champ Sir Andy Murray starts his title defence today – hours after confirming he is to be a dad for the second time.

And fans, some of whom queued for two days to watch their hero, will enjoy two weeks of sizzling weather.

TENNIS champ Sir Andy Murray today starts his Wimbledon defence on a high after confirming he is going to be a dad for the second time.

The Brit ace told how he is “very happy” after it emerged his wife Kim is expecting again after giving birth to their first child early last year.

Sir Andy, who was last week a doubt for the tournament because of an injured hip, hinted it may spur him on to land the title again.

Last year baby daughter Sophia was a lucky charm for the player who won his second title as she watched with mum Kim.

And the Olympic gold medallist insisted he does not have to get in “the zone” to tune out thoughts of his family as he competes.

Asked if the pregnancy would affect his play he said: “It’s not a distraction in the slightest.

“I mean, I’ve had family the whole time I’ve been playing tennis, so yeah, I’ll be fine dealing with that.

“We’re obviously very happy and looking forward to it.”

He remained tight-lipped on when the newest family member is due.

Boost

He would only tell reporters: “We found out about it a while ago.”

Pet portrait artist Kim is known for her enthusiastic courtside support for her hubby.

And this year her baby bump will not stop her cheering on her man.

Sir Andy, who starts his Wimbledon defence on Centre Court today against world number 134 Alexander Bublik from Kazakhstan, confirmed: “She will be coming to Wimbledon.”

His gran admitted she will have her hands full in the coming months. 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.”

Speaking at her home in Lanarkshire she added: “It’s happy news, thank goodness. My granddaughter Michelle is pregnant with her first baby so I’ll have a busy time of it.”

And she said the double whammy of good news is a welcome boost for her after the death of her husband Gordon last year.

Ellen added: “As long as they are happy and healthy, that’s all that’s important.

Sir Andy, 30, looked in trouble on Friday, limping away from practice sessions because of a hip injury.

But he said yesterday: “I’ll be fine to play the event and play seven matches. If I feel like I am today, I’d be delighted and have no issues getting through.” Flirty love for Bianca: Centre Pages