Murray ‘happy and lucky’ to be father

The two-time major champion and his wife, Kim Sears, are expecting their first child early next year, Murray’s manager, Matt Gentry, confirmed in an email to The Associated Press.

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

Murray is about to join fellow tennis elites Federer and Djokovic as a new father, with British tabloids reporting wife Kim Sears is due to give birth in February.

Jamie and Peers would no doubt be favourites in any clash given that they have recently won the German Open in Hamburg and reached the Wimbledon final.

Though his hardcourt season started on a dismal note, Murray is hoping to face Djokovic in the latter stages of the Montreal Masters as looks to go into the US Open on a positive note.

Eight of the top 10 players will compete in Montreal for vital ranking points and momentum during a packed part of the season on the hard courts.

“He’s just been that little bit better”.

With 18 of the top 20 players in the world on hand, there are number of players capable of challenging Djokovic, including three former winners of this event.

“He is obviously the favourite to lift the title here. He definitely deserves to be the best in the world, though guys have pushed him very close as well”. In 2007, it was one of my biggest wins. “Hopefully I can play some good tennis and get the opportunity to play against him”.

Last month, Andy and older brother Jamie played in the doubles rubber of the Davis Cup quarter-final against France, beating Nicolas Mahut and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in four sets.

Murray made his return to competition earlier than most when he played in Washington last week but, after losing his opening match to Teymuraz Gabashvili, the Scot needs matches as much as most of his rivals.

“I remember that match very well”, said Nadal, who needed three sets to beat Andre Agassi 6-3, 4-6, 6-2.

“I feel OK, it just takes time to get used to the hardcourts”.

Second seed Andy will take on Feliciano Lopez or Tommy Robredo in the second round, and could take on Rafael Nadal in the semi-finals.

“I feel like I’m in the same position as any other player who’s trying to win the title”, Djokovic said.