BBC award shows Andy Murray has won over his critics, says gran

Andy Murray’s triumph at the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Awards proves he has finally won over a sceptical public, says his delighted grandmother.

Murray has not always enjoyed the kind of adulation previously heaped on lesser players such as Tim Henman, but Shirley Erskine says the Dunblane star has “answered all the criticism”.

“He has overcome every hurdle,” she said. “He’s answered all the criticism with his tennis and won people over.”

Murray polled more than 50% of the public vote ahead of being crowned sports personality of the year a sure sign of his new found popularity across the UK.

Mrs Erskine was among those attending Sunday night’s star-studded bash in Leeds and admits it represented the “pinnacle” of a busy year.

“It’s been such a fantastic year. I don’t know how many awards ceremonies I’ve been at but this was the pinnacle,” she said. “We are very proud of him.”

Meanwhile, the chief executive of Tennis Scotland insisted Murray has inspired a new generation of hopefuls.

“The final (of Wimbledon) was just awesome and one of those ‘where were you’ moments,” David Marshall said.

“Andy is a great role model for kids and that really does help us.”