'I decided to give painting a go': Andy Murray reveals artistic side

He may have endured a painful lay-off with injury, but Andy Murray’s recovery did have an unexpected benefit - a new-found appreciation for art.

The former world No. 1 underwent surgery in January to correct an ongoing hip problems, with his rehabilitation giving him time to try new things.

Writing for the BBC, Murray - who will play in the doubles events at Wimbledon - revealed that he went to various art exhibitions, and even tried his hand at painting.

“While I was out injured I decided to give painting a go one night when I was bored - and from that point I started getting into art,” said the two-time Wimbledon champion.

“So, how did I get into it? Well, a couple of my friends are really interested in art and I always used to make fun of them because they would show me a piece of art and I would say ‘that looks like something I could do’.

“My wife Kim is a talented artist and paints and has canvasses, oils and acrylics, so one night I gave it a go. So I was just trying to paint something - and my attempts were hilarious.

“I was trying to flick the paint and use all sorts of techniques but I was getting it on the ceiling, everywhere. It was a disaster, a one-off experiment, and I am happy to hang up my brushes.

“But from that point I realised art is something I should appreciate more and I learnt a bit about it, by going to galleries and exhibitions and then chatting to friends about it.

“I prefer modern, contemporary art. I like looking at that because it is fun and different.

“And I don't care if I really like something and someone thinks it is terrible, it doesn't matter, That's the beauty of art - you like what you like and see it differently to other people.”

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Murray will partner up with Frenchman Pierre-Hugues Herbert in the men’s doubles, while the 32-year-old has also hinted he may form a blockbuster partnership with Serena Willams for the mixed event.