Andy Murray cried on court after beating Switzerland’s Leandro Riedi in the Davis Cup as he revealed he missed his grandmother’s funeral so he could play.
The 36-year-old Scot broke down on the pitch during his interview as he told the nearly 10,000-strong crowd at Manchester Arena that “today is a hard day for me as it is my grandmother’s funeral”.
The three-time Grand Slam champion held back tears as he spoke to Naomi Broady before receiving huge support from the crowd who cheered and applauded the veteran tennis star.
His grandmother Ellen, on his father Willie’s side, has long been one of his biggest fans, but previously admitted she was too nervous to watch his Wimbledon final against Roger Federer in 2012, which he unfortunately lost.
Ellen, from Kilsyth, North Lanarkshire, often spoke of her pride in her superstar grandson, who she admitted was “very emotional” and “soft-hearted”.
Andy Murray burst into tears after his Davis Cup win for Great Britain after revealing he missed his grandmother’s funeral to attend the match
Murray struggled to get his words out and apologized to his family for not attending the funeral
Andy and Jamie Murray pictured with their grandmother Ellen in 2012
Ellen previously told the Daily Record about the time Andy, or Andrew to her, rushed all the way from New York to her husband Gordon’s bedside in Galsgow before he died in 2016.
She said, “Andrew, God love him, was at his bedside the whole time, holding his hand.” He said to me, “I got there on time, Grandma,” and I said, “That’s good, son.”
It was revealed that Andy also missed Gordon’s funeral in order to attend the Davis Cup that same year, but had reportedly spent the day before with his beloved grandmother.
Before Andy’s Wimbledon final defeat to Federer in 2012, Ellen told the Mirror: “For me, Andrew is just my grandson.” It’s hard to believe he is, he’s just done so well.
“He played tennis with Jamie next to the house and in the garden.”
“We’re proud of our whole family today, especially Andrew.” It took him a while to get over the last time Federer beat him at the Australian Open, but he can be proud of himself regardless of whether he wins or not loses.
“I don’t even know how I would feel if he won. We just wish him the best of luck and will be praying for him.”
After yesterday’s game, Murray apologized to his family for not being able to attend the ceremony for his grandmother as he was visibly overcome with emotion.
He dedicated his 6-7, 6-4, 6-4 win over Riedi, which gave GB a 1-0 lead as they bid to reach the final of the competition, to his late grandmother, saying: “Grandma, that Is for you.”
Murray then sat in his chair after the interview and buried his head in his towel as he took a moment to think about his late grandmother
Murray received sustained applause from the 9,000 spectators at the AO Arena in Manchester
He battled Switzerland’s Leonardo Riedi in grueling fashion on Friday, winning 6-7, 6-4, 6-4
No one, apparently not even team management, was aware of the external events affecting Murray until Broady drew attention to a 90-year-old lady in the crowd named Pat who was attending her first live tennis match.
Broady told Murray that he was the grandmother’s “favorite player” and explained that she just turned 90 last week.
She then asked if she could pass on a belated birthday present, to which Murray replied: “I have a few sweaty t-shirts, I’m sure I can get one for her,” before bursting into tears.
Murray later explained after the game why he decided to play: “I talked to my dad about it and he said that she, you know, wants you to play.” He said make sure you win, so I did it.’
He then indicated that he had kept the situation to himself as he knew there was a plan for him to get into the team to face Switzerland.
Murray said: “I hadn’t discussed that with Leon.” We spoke about this selection on Sunday.
“My record against lefties is very good and we were expecting one of them.” “We had only talked about Riedi an hour before the game – it was a bit of a surprise when that changed.”
The Swiss selection almost worked with the talented but unpredictable Riedi, who struggled on service returns and came close to an upset before being beaten 2-2 in the decider.
Captain Leon Smith later confirmed he was in the dark about the external factors surrounding Murray.
He said, “I didn’t actually know.” It just shows his strength of character to do what he did today.
“That will have been very difficult for him.” “What he goes out and does is really incredible and what he did for the team was also crucial.”
Later, Dan Evans and Neal Skupski secured a crucial doubles match to secure a 2-1 Davis Cup win, putting hosts Great Britain top of the group of four ahead of Sunday’s final game against France.