Fatherhood could motivate Andy Murray to match great rival Novak Djokovic

The world No 2 became a father for the first time on February 7 to daughter Sophia Olivia but was back on the practice court last week.

Britain will begin the defence of the title they won for the first time in 79 years against Belgium in November at Birmingham’s Barclaycard Arena.

Murray became the first player to win 11 live rubbers and go undefeated in guiding his country to what had seemed an impossible feat.

Captain Leon Smith said there was never any doubt that he would step up to the plate again.

Smith said: “Nobody can under-estimate his commitment. Last year, he was absolutely immense. He was an incredible role model of how to fight for every point for your country.

“The doubles matches he played as well, even when he was clearly fatigued or injured. It’s just an incredible message to send out to everybody – this is how to be a British player. Everyone gets a lift from seeing him out there.

“He’s in a really good place. He’s got a beautiful daughter that he can dote on and enjoy. It’s a different phase in his life now.

“We’ve been practising this week. He’s been at Wimbledon every day. He was up in Scotland last week seeing family but also practising.

“He’s great. Very motivated, happy. He always said he was going to play this tie and he’s ready for it.”

The top four players in the world are now all fathers, with Novak Djokovic citing the birth of his son Stefan as one factor behind his ascent to near invincibility.

Whether the arrival of Sophia has a similar effect on Murray remains to be seen, but Smith would not be surprised.

“There are some things more important than tennis and family is that for him,” said the British captain.

“I don’t know how it will affect him and neither does he but I just know he’s happy and he’s a brilliant family guy anyway so I can only see it being a positive.”

Murray will be back on a match court for the first time since losing his fifth Australian Open final to Djokovic.

Afterwards, a clearly exhausted Murray paid an emotional tribute to wife Kim before running out of Melbourne Park to catch the first flight home.

The worry of being separated from his heavily-pregnant partner was compounded by the collapse of his father-in-law, Nigel Sears, during the Australian tournament.