TENNIS star Andy Murray said he had suffered a "very tough week" after criticism of his support for a Yes vote.

The world number 11 thanked his family and girlfriend for supporting him since his comments that he was in favour of independence on the day of polling, September 18.

Speaking after winning the Shenzhen Open, his first major tournament win since Wimbledon last year, an emotional Murray said: "I want to thank my team and I want to thank my friends and family back home and especially my girlfriend (Kim Sears). She's supported me a lot through this week.

"It's been a very tough week for me."

Murray said earlier this week he regretted making his political views known via Twitter.

He said: "The way it was worded, the way I sent it, that's not really in my character and I don't normally do stuff like that."