Andy Murray: 'Rivalry stops Novak Djokovic friendship'

Andy Murray has stated that his rivalry with Novak Djokovic makes it difficult to maintain their friendship off court.

The duo, who clash in the men's final at Wimbledon later today, grew up together on the tennis circuit as youngsters and built up a friendship.

Murray told reporters: "When we were younger, it was more friendly. We have a professional friendship now. It's hard playing in big, big matches, with a lot on the line — you can't be best of friends when that's happening.

"I still message him sometimes. We've spent a lot of time discussing various issues within tennis and doing what I think sometimes was best for the sport.

"I don't think it goes more than that right now. I would hope when we finish playing it will be different."

This will be the fourth time that the duo have faced off in a Grand Slam final with Djokovic edging these encounters 2-1, thanks to his two triumphs over the Scot at the Australian Open.