Fans queue overnight to watch andy murray in action at sw19
Andy Murray fans have been queueing overnight to see the British number one begin his 2016 quest for a second Wimbledon title.
He takes on fellow Brit Liam Broady in their first meeting, and it seems the crowd are firmly on his side.
The Scot’s supporters have come from far and wide to lend their voices to the cheering masses, whether it be on Centre Court or on Henman Hill.
Spectators are led into the grounds by stewards at the start of day two of the Wimbledon championships
Sue Callaghan has been camping out in the famous SW19 queue for four decades for the entire fortnight of the Slam.
When asked why, she said: “Because it is Wimbledon, dear. That is what it is all about.”
Dressed in a Union flag t-shirt, a flag around her waist and a red white and blue jester’s hat, the 63-year-old was clearly supporting the seven Brits in action.
Ms Callaghan, from Walton on the Hill, added: “Murray is my favourite. I just like him. He is doing so well for us. He is the only one who has, no-one else has done as much for us.
“Look what he has done, it couldn’t get any better.”
The tennis fanatic was able to secure Centre Court tickets, and said she expected the atmosphere to be “absolutely wonderful” when the Brits clash after Serena Williams’s match.
Also sporting patriotic attire were friends Joan MacGillivary, 62, and Jean McClean, 73, both from Inverness.
Ms MacGillivary, had “Murraynators on tour” emblazoned across her top and was wearing a hat with little tennis balls and Murray’s name on it.
The ladies were unable to get tickets for Centre Court, but said they would leave Court One – where top British woman Jo Konta takes on Monica Puig from Puerto Rico – to watch the two-time grand-slam champion from Henman Hill.
Speaking of Murray’s chances, Ms MacGillivary said: “Today is not a problem, I don’t think. And I think he will do well this year. We’re quietly confident.”
She added that she had only really got into tennis about four years ago because before Murray there “wasn’t really anyone else” for her to follow.
With her nails painted with the Scottish and Union flags, Ms MacGillivary said of Murray: “He is a lovely, lovely guy.”
Fans of all ages descended on Wimbledon to watch the world number two. Will Booth, 18, who camped overnight with his friends – all wearing t-shirts spelling out “Murray”, said he liked the Scot because: “He eats strawberries and cream with his fingers. He is a people’s person.”
But for those fans not attending to support the Scot, there will be five other matches with British interest.
British male number two Aljaz Bedene faces French star Richard Gasquet, Heather Watson takes on Annika Beck, Tara Moore plays Alison Van Uytvanck and 17-year-old Katie Swann goes up against Timea Babos.
Arriving at the tournament, former Australian cricketer Shane Warne said he was “looking forward” to watching Murray, saying it would be “great”.
Asked about England’s Euro 2016 loss, he joked: “It’s wonderful, isn’t it?”
Former French Open champion Mary Pierce said she was looking forward to seeing Murray and Broady play.
She added: “I think it is always hard when you have to play a fellow countryman or countrywoman. Either way there is going to be a British winner, which will make fans happy.”
Kim Murray arrived at SW19 for her husband’s first round match pushing a pram, wearing a floral knee length dress and wedged heels.
The couple’s baby girl, Sophia Olivia, was born in February this year – making this her first Wimbledon.
Andy Murray will be in action on Centre Court
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Fans queue overnight to watch andy murray in action at sw19
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