Andy Murray's father, William, has shed light on his 2005 divorce from Judy, offering a glimpse into the emotional fallout for the tennis star and his brother Jamie.
While Andy competes in what could be his final professional match at the Paris Olympics, William, who prefers to stay out of the public eye, has spoken out about the impact of the split on his sons. He revealed that both Andy and Jamie were "distraught" when he informed them that their mother was leaving.
"I had to tell them that their mum was leaving home," William said. "It ripped me apart to have to hurt them by telling them what I did. They were distraught. They are very different personalities but they took the news much the same way."
Despite the perception that Andy and Jamie are closer to their mother, who is often seen supporting them courtside, the brothers actually lived with their father for several years following the divorce. William, who married his partner Sam Watson in 2016, revealed that he "kept the family home and looked after them for the next four or five years."
"A lot of people don't realise that because the story isn't portrayed that way," he added. "That's fine by me because the boys know exactly what happened."
Andy, in a 2007 interview, acknowledged the painful nature of his parents' separation, describing their relationship as far from amicable. He revealed that he often felt caught in the middle of their competitive streak and struggled to split his time between them.
"They didn't speak too much and they didn't get on too well together⦠they are just two different people," Andy confessed. "I would get stuck in the middle of their arguments. I would get really upset, and one of the things I would have loved to have more than anything was a family that worked better together, although I love my mother and father to bits."
Despite the initial tension, Andy's success on the court eventually brought his parents closer. They were seen embracing at the Wimbledon Ball in 2013 after he won his first Wimbledon title.
Now, as Andy prepares for his potential swansong at the Paris Olympics, he has defied expectations of an imminent retirement by winning his first-round doubles match with Dan Evans. This unexpected victory comes after a thrilling doubles final in the recent Tokyo Olympics, which Andy has described as "probably up there" with his best achievements.
While Judy has expressed concern about Andy's future, stating she was "working out which flight to get home tonight," the doubles victory has shown that the British legend is still capable of defying expectations.
William's comments provide a rare glimpse into the personal impact of the family's separation, revealing the emotional challenges faced by Andy and Jamie in navigating their parents' divorce. It also highlights the resilience of the family, who ultimately found their way back to each other through Andy's triumphs on the court.