Andy Murray misses grandfather's funeral due to Davis Cup tie

Gordon Murray, father of Andy and Jamie’s dad Willie, died on September 9 and his funeral is understood to be taking place today as the Wibledon champion takes on Argentina Juan Martin Del Potro.

Mr Murray, who was in his eighties, lived in the town with his wife Ellen.

The proud grandfather told interviewers in 2012 that he knew Andy was destined for greatness after watching him play tennis in his garden when the brothers visited.

He said: “I saw talent in him when he was young.”

Andy missed a press conference at Glasgow’s Emirates Arena yesterday for personal reasons, but his brother Jamie was present.

The older Murray brother will only play in the doubles match tomorrow – in which he is likely to partner Andy – and is expected to be able to attend the funeral.

However, Andy is scheduled to play Del Potro in the opening rubber of the semi-final, which presents a clash with his paternal grandfather’s funeral.

He is understood to have paid his respects yesterday at a private family gathering.

A senior tennis source said that the situation “won’t affect Andy’s participation” in today’s match.

Reports suggest Mr Murray died before Jamie’s doubles final at the US Open last Friday, although Jamie was not informed of his death until after his victory.

With the Murray brothers due to play together in tomorrow’s doubles match, Andy could compete on all three days of the competition.

The 29-year-old has admitted to fatigue following a hectic summer that saw him win both Wimbledon and the Olympics but Team GB captain Leon Smith said he was confident Andy will succeed.

Smith said: “We saw last year in the semi-final against Australia, you could see Andy was fatigued and he still found a way to do it.

“He’s a very robust guy, both physically and mentally, so don’t be surprised to see him do it.”

The Davis Cup semi-final starts today at 1pm.