Andy Murray ready to miss Australian Open final for child's birth

Scottish world number two Andy Murray said on Monday he is prepared to put family duties ahead of Grand Slam glory.

Speaking at the mixed teams Hopman Cup in Perth, where he is representing Great Britain, the dual Grand Slam winner said he would choose being at the birth of his child over playing in the Australian Open final.

Murray's wife, Kim Sears, is due to give birth next month.

"I'm going to fly home I think," he said when asked what he'd choose if that scenario unfolded.

"We spoke about it and chatted and obviously it'd be disappointing if I was to get in that position and not be able to play the final.

"But I'd be way more disappointed winning the Australian Open and not being at the birth of the child.

"Hopefully it doesn't come to that."

Murray said he was looking forward to becoming a father.

"It's going to be a big change but I am very excited about it," he said.

"I have got a few weeks of tennis here and then I'll take February off to spend time with Kim."

Murray is very close to his family, having teamed up with brother Jamie in Great Britain's drought-breaking Davis Cup win last year.

His mother, Great Britain Fed Cup coach Judy, is also in Perth this week.
Source: AFP