Political rivals unite to cheer on Team GB
TWO years ago, she was standing beside Alex Salmond preparing to rip the Union apart.
But yesterday Nicola Sturgeon shunned pro-independence gatherings for a seat beside Scottish Secretary David Mundell, cheering on Team GB.
Despite being at opposite ends of the political spectrum, the pair sat just inches apart while supporting the British tennis players in the Davis Cup semifinal against Argentina.
The First Minister, dressed smartly in a grey suit, cheered and clapped as Andy Murray beat Guido Pella. Next to her, wearing a Team GB T-shirt, Mr Mundell was also getting into the spirit of the event.
After Murray’s win, Miss Sturgeon stayed at the Emirates Arena in Glasgow to cheer on Englishman Dan Evans.
But Argentina saw off a thrilling comeback from the defending champions.
Evans won the first set of the deciding match – but Leonardo Mayer fought back to win 4-6, 6-3, 6-2, 6-4.
Team GB captain Leon Smith paid tribute to Andy and Jamie Murray for shouldering an enormous emotional and physical Davis Cup burden.
A visibly hurting Andy, who had pulled Britain back from the brink with a doubles win alongside Jamie on Saturday, limped to the win over Pella to send the match into a final rubber.
Andy missed his grandfather’s funeral on Friday in order to prepare for his opening singles match, a fact not lost on Smith.
‘Yet again, amazing commitment,’ said the Glaswegian skipper. ‘We are really fortunate to have those two boys. They are a credit to themselves, their families and the sport.
‘For sure, it’s been a very difficult time for them and they have managed to give their best for the country yet again.
‘Emotionally, that would have taken a lot out of them. To lose a family member is very, very difficult. No doubt it must have an effect. Andy went out and fought his heart out and did his family proud yet again.’