Kate Winslet cheers on Andy Murray at Wimbledon
Kate Winslet and Sam Mendes watch the action at Wimbledon yesterday. Photo: Getty Images
More photos:Thursday July 02 2009
Andy Murray stormed into the semi-finals of Wimbledon for the first time yesterday – cheered on by the Oscar winning actress Kate Winslet.
The British number one beat Spain's Juan Carlos Ferrero in straight sets to line up a battle with American favourite Andy Roddick for a place in the final. It is the furthest the 22-year-old has progressed in the tournament and he is the first Briton to reach the semi-finals at Wimbledon since Tim Henman in 2002.
Wearing a simple knee length black shift dress, large sunglasses with her blonde hair tied back, Winslet leant forward, cheering and applauding every point.
As Murray sealed his 7-5, 6-3, 6-2 victory on Centre Court in one hour and 41 minutes, Winslet leapt to her feet and clapped enthusiastically.
Aside from his mother Judy and 21-year-old girlfriend Kim Sears, another blonde fan watching and cheering from the sidelines was former classmate and current Miss Scotland, Katharine Brown.
Murray and his older brother Jamie went to Dunblane Primary School with the 22-year-old beauty queen and she used to play tennis at a national level.
After his quarter final win, Murray said: "I went to school with her, my mum used to coach her and my brother used to be best friends with her brother."
But he went on to joke: "She was quite annoying to sit next to at school."
Miss Brown said after the match: "He was absolutely amazing. I haven't got tickets for Sunday but would absolutely love to come if I can get hold of them.
"His mum Judy was a brilliant coach. If he carries on playing like he's been playing, he can definitely beat Roger Federer in the final."
Murray said he was not aware that Winslet was in the crowd but said he was pleased that A-list stars were supporting him.
"I think it is good for tennis any time you get big stars and celebrities coming to watch. It makes it cooler for the kids, which is important in this country."
Murray said in addition to letter of support from the Queen and Sean Connery, he had received a hand-written note from Cliff Richard.
Other well known faces watching yesterday's match included Katherine Jenkins, the singer, Des Lynam, the television sports presenter, and Mervyn King, the Bank of England Governor.
© Telegraph.co.uk
- Caroline Gammell
