Former tennis star Andy Murray recently hailed the steadfast backing he has received from his wife, Kim Sears. The two-time Wimbledon champion has been wed to Kim since 2015, having first encountered her at a gathering during the US Open a decade prior. The pair exchanged vows in Murray’s native Dunblane following nine years of courtship.
Nevertheless, their romance wasn’t always plain sailing. Whilst jet-setting around the world and maintaining a demanding timetable as a legitimate tennis icon, Murray and Kim’s connection faced numerous challenges throughout the years. Yet as the Scotsman has disclosed, their partnership has provided him with stability. Murray and Kim share four children, Sophia, Edie, Teddy, and Lola, forming a solid family unit. Though circumstances might have appeared vastly different following the couple’s temporary separation.
Split from Kim
In 2009, Murray and Kim decided to part ways. The separation appeared so definitive that Kim actually assumed responsibility for their pet dog, Maggie. Nevertheless, they reconciled six months afterwards, with Murray acknowledging then that he performs more effectively alongside his partner.
Following their reunion, Murray said: “I work better in a relationship. At the end of the day, especially if I’ve lost a match, I don’t like talking about tennis, so it’s nice to have someone to talk to about other stuff.”
Touching on the qualities that Kim possesses, he told the New York Times: “She doesn’t like being in the newspapers, and people commenting on what she’s wearing and how she looks, and those sorts of things.
“That’s one of the things that I guess she’s also sacrificed, a little bit, for our relationship, and I appreciate that a lot. But Kim’s always been there for me. She really cares about me and helps with so many things. She always has. That’s why we have such a great relationship.
Big mistake
Murray has admitted to the big error he made following his brief separation from Kim. Reflecting on the break up during his Centre Stage performance at the New Wimbledon Theatre this year, Murray revealed his reckless behaviour as a newly single man.
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“I bought a Ferrari. I called it Barry the Ferrari,” he said. “I thought it was cool, but it didn’t last very long. The first day I took it out to drive, it got pulled over by the police because the insurance hadn’t cleared. I got rid of it over a couple of months, because it wasn’t really me.”
The minor incident revealed not only an unusual and somewhat impulsive side to Murray, but highlighted his remarks that he functions better with Kim by his side. The brief separation from his now-wife proved to be a crucial turning point as Kim ultimately guided him back onto the right path, as they flourished together before eventually starting a family.
Honest admission
Murray recently offered heartfelt praise for Kim’s unwavering support. He has participated in numerous golf pro-am events, notably the Alfred Dunhill Championship in Scotland, where he caught attention whilst playing alongside English professional Eddie Pepperell.
Murray acknowledges he couldn’t have achieved success without his partner’s encouragement, telling The i: “Kim has been unbelievable when it comes to supporting me throughout my career. She’s been the perfect supporter. She really encouraged me to keep pursuing my career.”
Discussing the obstacles they encounter, he continued: “It’s hard sometimes because we have quite a few kids, but we try and make time for lunch or going to the gym together when the kids are at school. I think making time for one another is important. You shouldn’t feel guilty about that.
“My ambition is to try and be a good dad and a good husband, and when the kids are more grown up and are able to take care of themselves, then I’ll focus a little bit more on what I want to do with that stage of my life. But right now, I’m really happy doing what I’m doing. It’s a big responsibility bringing up children.
