Judy Murray has said her son Andy became more motivated on the court after the arrival of his baby girl Sophia, leading to him finally fulfilling his dream of becoming the world number one tennis player.

Andy and his wife Kim announced the arrival of their baby girl in February this year after finishing runner-up in the Australian Open last month.

Andy Murray said he felt "very proud" to become the first British singles player to be world number one since computerised rankings began in 1973.

The Herald:

The Scot, 29, needed to reach the final of the Paris Masters to replace Novak Djokovic - and did so when Milos Raonic pulled out before their semi-final.

He went on to win the tournament beating big-serving American John Isner in three hard-fought sets in the Paris Masters final to secure his eighth ATP Tour title of the season.

Read more: Sir Chris Hoy - Andy Murray, World No 1, is Scotland's greatest ever sportsperson

He is now preparing for next week's World Tour Finals at the O2 Arena in London.

His mother Judy said: "He's in such a good place just now. The baby was born at the beginning of the year. He's very relaxed and happy away from the court and probably more driven on it, so everything's good.

The Herald:

"There's getting there and the pressure of being there and trying to stay there because you are the one everyone is gunning for. He is at his strongest when he feels he has a point to prove. So fingers crossed he can stay there for a while."

Murray won Wimbledon and Olympic gold in 2016, reached 11 finals in 12 events and won a personal record 73 matches.

Read more: Sir Chris Hoy - Andy Murray, World No 1, is Scotland's greatest ever sportsperson

He has won three Grand Slam titles, two Olympic gold medals and helped Britain win the Davis Cup in 2015.

The Herald:

"He is competing in probably the strongest ever era of men's tennis," Mrs Murray told Talksport.

"He has always been in the mix, but because he has had such a consistent year, he has managed to amass enough points to get to the top, which is an incredible achievement.

"It has been many years of hard work and sacrifice. "He has never looked back, he's always looked forward, and tried to keep improving. And it's just a great reward for him.

Read more: Sir Chris Hoy - Andy Murray, World No 1, is Scotland's greatest ever sportsperson

"You need strong people in all sorts of fields, the coach, fitness trainer, physio, you need someone to manage the business side, and you need family and friends for emotional support which is very very important as well."

The Herald:

His assistant coach Jamie Delgado agreed that fatherhood has helped him reached the top of his sport.

Asked if Murray has matured since the birth of daughter Sophia, Delgado said: "Yeah. I think so."

He added: "So much has happened off the court which has really helped his calmness when he's on tour.

"It can be quite stressful, all the tournaments he plays and all the pressure he is under."

The Herald:

And on the Murray family plans for Christmas, she added: "We'll have to plan some extra special dreadful Christmas jumpers."