Andy Murray and the French tennis fans - this has developed into a real love affair in recent weeks. First of all, there would have been the triumph at the heavily occupied ATP Challenger tournament in Aix-en-Provence, which the fans in the stands celebrated just as enthusiastically as Murray himself.

This week Murray is back at a Challenger in France. In Bordeaux, the second seeded Scot may start against Stan Wawrinka - should the Swiss solve his opening task. But there was cause for celebration during training on Monday: Murray, who is celebrating his 37th birthday today, was given a birthday song by the fans.

There was also a cake for the Scottish legend. Accurately sized, as is to be hoped. There were disagreements in Madrid last week because Carlos Alcaraz received a larger cake than Aryna Sabalenka. Andy Murray is too sovereign for such children anyway.