Andy Murray dedicates Davis Cup Finals win to late grandmother on day of her funeral

Andy Murray rallied to win his Davis Cup Finals match in Manchester on Friday in a battle that exceeded the three-hour mark. As it turned out, the former world No. 1 had to dig deeper than most realized.

Following his 6-7 (7), 6-4, 6-4 victory over 152nd-ranked Leandro Riedi to secure Great Britain’s opening match against Switzerland, Murray joined Naomi Broady for a customary on-court interview.

The two first discussed the inspired play of his opponent, his latest reading material and an unexpected form of entertainment to go with his morning coffee.

“A guy came up to me and started telling jokes. And then asked if I wanted to see a magic trick and he pulled an orange out of his underpants,” recounted Murray as the AO Arena audience erupted in laughter.

Broady then revealed that a spectator, named “Grandma Pat”, in the crowd had just celebrated her 90th birthday and was experiencing live tennis for the first time to see her favorite player in Murray.

After joking about passing along a sweaty t-shirt for a belated birthday gift, Murray's mood turned much more somber.

“Today’s actually a tough day for me,” he began.

Patting his chest, the three-time major winner took a few seconds to collect himself before sharing, “it’s my gran’s funeral today.”

The 36-year-old understandably paused for a lengthier period as the crowd urged him on.

“I’m sorry to my family that I’m not able to be there,” he said fighting back tears.

“Gran, that one’s for you.”

Murray improved to 33-3 lifetime in Davis Cup singles matches. Compatriot Cameron Norrie was due to face Stan Wawrinka in the second singles rubber.