Andy Murray and Kim Sears expecting first baby

ANDY Murray is to become a father next year, after it was confirmed his wife, Kim Sears, is pregnant.

Andy Murray and Kim Sears on their wedding today in April earlier this year. Picture: Lisa Ferguson

They told family and friends the news after Kim, 27, visited hospital for a 12-week scan, and the baby is due in February.

The couple married in the tennis player’s home town of Dunblane in April.

Murray’s agent confirmed the pregnancy but added they were a very “private couple” and that no further details would be released.

Andy Murray and Kim Sears on their wedding today in April earlier this year. Picture: Lisa Ferguson

However, Murray’s father, Willie, 60, revealed that Andy had phoned him at his home in Dunblane last week, after Kim had her scan.

He spoke of his joy at the news his son is set to become a father for the first time, saying: “It’s terrific news. Once Andy and Kim knew that the scan had gone OK and the baby was alright, then they were happy to let close family and some friends know.

“Now they have been given the all clear and everything is OK with baby, everyone is thrilled for them.”

He went on: “Andy and Kim will both make great parents, and I can’t wait to be a grandfather, babysitting and all.

“I don’t mind if it’s a boy or a girl, all we are hoping for is a healthy baby, and I know that’s what Andy and Kim will be praying for as well.”

Mr Murray added: “After the wedding in Dunblane, when it was incredible to see the number of people who turned out to wish Andy and Kim well, I know the locals will be over the moon at this latest news.

“I’m sure Andy and Kim will get lots of support.”

The former Wimbledon champion’s fans were quick to congratulate them, tweeting him their best wishes and congratulations.

His mother Judy recently told a magazine that she was “really looking forward to being a granny”.

Murray, 28, enjoyed a strong run of form after marrying his long-term girlfriend in front of family and friends at Dunblane Cathedral on 11 April, reaching the semi-finals of the French Open and Wimbledon, and winning his first titles on clay.

Speaking earlier this year, he said: “It [marriage] has been nice and a lot of people have spoken about the honeymoon period.

“But we’ve been together a very long time and getting married was the next step.”

The couple, who met as teenagers in 2005 through tennis circles, live in Surrey with their two Border terriers, Maggie May and Rusty.

Murray has been competing in Washington this week as part of his preparations for the US Open, which takes place at the end of the month in New York.

Bookmakers are offering odds of 8/1 on the new child being named Judy or Judith, after Andy’s mother.