A heartbroken Andy Murray has been flooded with messages of sympathy after confirming his dog Maggie has died.
The tennis star took to Instagram on Friday to announce the border terrier, who has lived with Murray and wife Kim since 2008, had passed away. And in emotional post, he described the family pet as an "amazing little dog."
It comes at the end of a draining few weeks for Murray, 35, who last week exited in the second round at Wimbledon at the hands of the big-serving John Isner. That defeat followed a first-round win over Australian player James Duckworth.
But the tournament at SW19 seemed at the back of his mind when he wrote: "Today our family said goodbye to this amazing little dog. She was a huge part of our family and our first pet so this really hurts.
"Give your pets a big cuddle tonight cause it stings when you can’t anymore. Thanks Maggie Mayhem you were an absolute star." Murray and co own another dog, named Rusty, who they've had since 2011.
Within 15 hours of being uploaded the post, which included a photo of Murray cuddling Maggie, had attracted more than 104,000 likes. And a number of the Scot's followers, including fellow professionals, replied with messages of support.
German female player Sabine Lisicki wrote: "So sorry for your loss. Dogs are the best. We don’t deserve their love." British veteran Emily Webley-Smith added: "I'm so sorry."
And fellow dog-lovers also added condolences, with @terrano02 writing: "Sorry for your loss, my heart goes out to you and the family. I lost my staffy Jaffa last September, still hurts not to have here, if only we could have one more walk."
@monica0801 offered a deep reply, posting: "Oh Andy, there is no words that anyone can say that will help heal your sadness pain and broken. Remember all the happy times and the wonderful life you gave her. She is over the rainbow running freely and one day you will be reunited. Huge hugs xxx."
Murray and Kim have three daughters and a son, and the pair married in 2015. Last October at Indian Wells, the three-time Grand Slam champion took to social media to make an appeal over his wedding ring.
The item, which had been woven into the laces on one of his trainers, was stolen from underneath his car. Following widespread appeals though, the ring was returned.
The three-time Grand Slam champion rarely speaks about his private life to the media, but has never been afraid to over his opinion on social or political issues. He recently declared he turned down a big money offer to play in Saudi Arabia, citing the country's deplorable human rights record.
