Tennis star Jamie Murray, the older brother of former world No. 1 Andy Murray, has reportedly split from his wife of nearly a decade, Alejandra Gutierrez, and has signed up to the exclusive celebrity dating app Raya. The 38-year-old doubles specialist, a seven-time Grand Slam champion, is said to be navigating life as a single man after the couple's separation, which sources claim has been amicable.
A Decade-Long Partnership Comes to an End
Jamie Murray, a stalwart of the British Davis Cup team and a former world No. 1 in doubles, married Colombian-born Alejandra, often known as Alex, in a private ceremony in his hometown of Dunblane, Scotland, in 2010. The couple had been together for over 14 years, with their relationship beginning long before they walked down the aisle. A source close to the pair stated, "It's incredibly sad, but Jamie and Alex have grown apart. They've been separated for a little while now and are trying to navigate this new chapter as privately as possible for the sake of everyone involved."
The Murrays are famously private about their personal lives, and details surrounding the split remain scarce. There has been no public comment from either Jamie or Alejandra on social media or through representatives. Friends of the couple have suggested that the intense travel schedule required by Jamie's professional tennis career, which keeps him on the road for most of the year, placed a significant strain on their marriage.
Signing Up for a New Chapter on Raya
The news of the split was quickly followed by reports that the tennis pro has joined Raya, a private, membership-based dating application known for its exclusive user base of celebrities, influencers, and high-profile individuals. Membership is notoriously difficult to obtain, requiring a referral and a committee approval process. His presence on the app suggests he is open to meeting new people following the end of his marriage.
A source told The Sun newspaper, "Jamie is a really lovely, funny guy and his friends have been encouraging him to get back out there. He’s been focused on his tennis and his family, but felt ready to dip his toe into the dating world. Raya is the go-to for people in the public eye as it’s so discreet. He’s had a lot of interest already."
The app's strict privacy policies and vetting process make it a popular choice for athletes, actors, and musicians seeking to avoid public scrutiny while dating. Other tennis players, including Nick Kyrgios, have been previously linked to profiles on the platform.
Focus on Family and Tennis
Throughout his marriage, Jamie has always kept his family life fiercely guarded. He and Alejandra were rarely photographed together at high-profile events, though she was occasionally seen supporting him from the player's box during major tournaments like Wimbledon. The couple did not have any children. Jamie is known to be extremely close with his immediate family, including parents Judy and Willie, and his brother Andy.
The Murray brothers share a unique bond, having both reached the pinnacle of world tennis. Their support for one another is well-documented, particularly during their respective injury comebacks. It is believed that Andy and the rest of the Murray family have been a strong source of support for Jamie during this personal transition. His professional focus remains sharp; he is currently competing on the ATP Tour and recently expressed his ambition to add more major titles to his collection and potentially compete in the 2024 Paris Olympics.
A Look at the Demands of a Tennis Career
The breakdown of a long-term relationship is never due to a single factor, but the lifestyle of a professional athlete is often cited as a major challenge. The constant travel, time away from home, and intense pressure can place immense stress on personal relationships. Key challenges include:
- Relentless Travel: The ATP tour is a global circus, with tournaments on nearly every continent throughout the year.
- Time Apart: Players can be away from their home base for months at a time during seasons like the European clay-court swing or the US Open series.
- Public Scrutiny: Life in the spotlight leaves little room for privacy, with every aspect of a player's life potentially becoming public news.
Jamie is not the first tennis star to face personal difficulties due to the tour's demands. Numerous players, including Andre Agassi and Boris Becker in their autobiographies, have detailed how the sport's lifestyle contributed to strains in their personal lives and marriages.
Moving Forward with Discretion and Support
For now, Jamie Murray appears to be handling this personal setback with the same quiet determination he displays on the court. His decision to use a discreet platform like Raya indicates a desire to keep his dating life private. His primary focus remains on his tennis, with the grass-court season and Wimbledon on the horizon—a time when he typically thrives in front of a home crowd.
The tennis community has largely respected his privacy during this time. Fans and colleagues have expressed support, hoping he finds happiness off the court. As one insider summarized, "It's a sad situation, but Jamie is a resilient guy. He has a great family around him and his career is still going strong. Everyone just wishes him the best as he moves forward." While the chapter with Alejandra has closed, the future holds new opportunities for the celebrated doubles champion, both on and off the tennis court.