Andy Murray reveals ‘I’m ready for a family’

ANDY Murray has sparked speculation that he could be set to marry girlfriend Kim Sears, saying: “I would like to start a family and be a good father.”

Andy Murray pictured with long-term girlfriend Kim Sears. Picture: AFP

The 26-year-old tennis ace hinted that given he was past the ‘halfway point’ in his career, children could be among his future plans with Kim, also 26, who he met at the US Open eight years ago when she was on holiday with tennis coach father Nigel.

The couple live in Surrey with their two dogs, but Dunblane-born Andy has admitted feeling ‘broody’, and added that he was determined to be a good father in the future.

He said: “When we got the second dog, that felt like a big commitment for both of us because one dog takes some looking after, but having two doubles that and adds a bit extra.

“It’s not the same as having kids, or at least I don’t think it is, but that’s sometimes what it feels like.

“I can see myself having a family one day. It is something that I’m starting to think about because Kim and I have been together for eight years.

“Added to that, I’m probably just past the halfway point of my playing career so part of me is starting to think about what happens to me after I’ve finished playing.

Murray pointed to Swiss tennis star Roger Federer, who has spoken in the past about wanting his children to see him playing tennis, adding: “That’s not something I’m particular desperate for, but I would like to start a family and be a good father. That’s important to me.”

Ahead of the launch of his book, Andy Murray: Seventy-Seven - My Road to Wimbledon Glory, the Scottish sportsman praised the role of coach Ivan Lendl in his success, and added that girlfriend Kim was a ‘great judge of character’, saying: “Kim is very savvy about people. She can see which of them are trying to leech on to me or who might want to be near me for their benefit rather than mine.

“People often comment on the amount of people you have travelling with you, like it’s an entourage or something.

“That’s not how it works. Everyone has to justify their place, whether they’re giving me the emotional support I need or keeping me fit.

“Right at the heart of it all is my girlfriend, Kim.”