Andy Murray saves dog from being run over just 24 hours before beginning defence of his Wimbledon title

• The Scot rescued the labradoodle on Sunday while he was out driving
• He stopped his car and took the dog, called Bode, back to its owner nearby
• Owner Mary-Elizabeth described Murray as her 'hero'
• Murray beat Belgian David Goffin in straight sets to reach round two
• The defending champion won 6-1, 6-4, 7-5 on Centre Court
• He will face 23-year-old Slovenian Blaz Rola in the next round
  

By Mike Dawes

Published: 04:18 EST, 24 June 2014 | Updated: 04:18 EST, 24 June 2014

Andy Murray successfully negotiated his safe passage through to the second round at Wimbledon on Monday - just 24 hours after saving a labradoodle from being run over.

The defending champion spotted the dog, called Bode, sprinting towards traffic while he was out driving.

The 27-year-old got out of his car, caught Bode and took the dog into his car.

Defence: Andy Murray won his first round match at Wimbledon against Belgian David Goffin in straight sets

Safe: Murray saved a labradoodle named Bode from being run over by a car on Sunday

Smile: Murray's girlfriend Kim Sears watches on during Murray's first round victory at Wimbledon

Shot: Murray beat Goffin 6-1, 6-4, 7-5 to progress to the second round where he will face Blaz Rola

Light work: Goffin (pictured) was easily cast aside by Murray as he begins the defence of his title

He rang the pet's owner, Mary-Elizabeth, using the phone number provided on Bode's collar and took the dog back to its home in Oxshott, Surrey, which is just a mile away from where Murray lives.

Murray began the defence of his Wimbledon crown by beating world number 105 David Goffin in straight sets on Monday to progress to the second round at the All England Club.

The Scot made light work of the 23-year-old Belgian, winning the match on Centre Court 6-1, 6-4, 7-5 in little more than two hours.

But, speaking after saving Bode from oncoming traffic, Murray said: 'The dog was pretty strong.

'I don't think it really wanted me to grab it by the collar. The owner was happy I'd picked it up.'

And owner Mary-Elizebeth was delighted with Murray's actions, labelling him a 'hero'.

She said: 'He is our hero. I'm absolutely a fan.

'What Andy did was lovely. It was absolutely amazing.'

Murray will face 23-year-old Slovenian Blaz Rola in the next round.

Roar of delight: Murray celebrates victory over Goffin just 24 hours after saving the labradoodle

Embrace: Murray's new coach Amelie Mauresmo (left) greets his mother Judy Murray (right)

Kiss: Kim Sears (left) and Judy Murray greet each other ahead of the Centre Court match

Signature: Murray stops for autograph hunters following his straight sets victory over Goffin

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Jean 78, London, United Kingdom, 2 weeks ago

Well done Andy you made one Lady very happy by saving her dog from being run over. Good Luck in next round.

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