British number one Andy Murray has rounded off a tough year in joyous fashion by getting engaged to long-term girlfriend Kim Sears.

The pair met at the US Open in 2005, when he was given a wildcard in the tournament as an up-and-coming 18-year-old.

Sears, 26, is a regular presence at Murray’s matches and is the daughter of former Lawn Tennis Association head of women’s tennis Nigel Sears.

Andy Murray and Kim Sears outside Buckingham Palace
Kim Sears was by Andy Murray’s side when he was made an OBE last year (John Stillwell/PA)

She was once described by future mother-in-law Judy Murray as “the best thing to happen to Andy”.

Mrs Murray has kept mum so far – but she cheekily re-tweeted this message from her “patron penguin” at St Andrews Aquarium in Fife.

In January this year Murray sent a tongue-in-cheek message to a fan: “We are getting married just after Wimbledon should be a great day”.

His girlfriend reportedly read him the riot act, prompting the tennis champ to nip the rumours in the bud with a follow-up tweet.

It’s been a busy old day for Murray, whose relationship with two of his long-time coaches clearly wasn’t as solid as the one he has with Sears.

He announced he had split from Dani Vallverdu and fitness trainer Jez Green earlier in the day.