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Former tennis star Andy Murray has recently opened up on the backing he's received from wife Kim Sears throughout his career. The two-time Wimbledon winner has been married to Kim since 2015, after first encountering her at a gathering during the US Open a decade before that. The pair exchanged vows in Murray's native Dunblane following nine years of courtship. Nevertheless, their romance wasn't always plain sailing . Whilst jet-setting around the world and maintaining a demanding timetable as a genuine tennis legend, Murray and Kim's relationship faced numerous challenges over the years. But as the Scottish star has disclosed, their partnership has kept him grounded. Murray and Kim share four children - Sophia, Edie, Teddy, and Lola - and form a tight-knit family unit . Yet circumstances might have been vastly different after the pair temporarily parted ways. Here, Mirror Sport takes a closer look at their relationship. In 2009, Murray and Kim decided to end their relationship. The split appeared so definitive that Kim even gained 'custody' of their dog, Maggie. However, they reconciled six months afterwards, with Murray confessing at the time that he performs better alongside his partner. Following their reunion, Murray said: "I work better in a relationship. At the end of the day, especially if I've lost a match, I don't like talking about tennis, so it's nice to have someone to talk to about other stuff." Touching on the qualities that Kim possesses and what drew him back to her side, he told the New York Times: "She doesn't like being in the newspapers, and people commenting on what she's wearing and how she looks, and those sorts of things. "That's one of the things that I guess she's also sacrificed, a little bit, for our relationship, and I appreciate that a lot. But Kim's always been there for me. She really cares about me and helps with so many things. She always has. That's why we have such a great relationship." Murray has admitted to the blunder he made following his brief separation from Kim. Reflecting on the break up during his Centre Stage show at the New Wimbledon Theatre this year, Murray revealed his reckless antics as a newly single man. "I bought a Ferrari. I called it Barry the Ferrari," he said. "I thought it was cool, but it didn't last very long. The first day I took it out to drive, it got pulled over by the police because the insurance hadn't cleared. I got rid of it over a couple of months, because it wasn't really me." The minor incident revealed not only a seldom-seen and rather impulsive side to Murray, but highlighted his remarks that he functions better with Kim by his side. The brief separation from his now-wife turned out to be a pivotal moment. His reunion with Kim eventually guided him back onto the right path, as they flourished together and ultimately built a family. Going from strength to strength following their brief separation, Murray recently offered a heartfelt tribute to Kim for her unwavering support. He has participated in numerous golf pro-am events recently, notably at the Alfred Dunhill Championship in Scotland , where he caught attention whilst playing alongside English professional Eddie Pepperell. Murray insists he couldn't have achieved success without his partner's encouragement, revealing to The i: "Kim has been unbelievable when it comes to supporting me throughout my career. She's been the perfect supporter. She really encouraged me to keep pursuing my career." Discussing the obstacles they encounter as a couple, he continued: "It's hard sometimes because we have quite a few kids, but we try and make time for lunch or going to the gym together when the kids are at school. I think making time for one another is important. You shouldn't feel guilty about that. "My ambition is to try and be a good dad and a good husband, and when the kids are more grown up and are able to take care of themselves, then I'll focus a little bit more on what I want to do with that stage of my life. But right now, I'm really happy doing what I'm doing. It's a big responsibility bringing up children."
