Kim Sears has become an all too familiar face and name to millions of tennis fans worldwide, especially at Grand Slams, where television cameras do their best to pick up the emotions written on her face as she cheers boyfriend Andy Murray from the stands.

Murray, who will play Novak Djokovic in the semi-finals of the 2012 Australian Open, began dating Sears at the 2005 U.S. Open. Their relationship became public in 2006. It ended, briefly, in 2009 before the couple reconciled in 2010.

Sears is the daughter of Nigel Sears, who is the former tennis coach of Slovakian tennis player Daniela Hantuchová. She has been credited with a significant role in improving Murray's image and appearance. Apparently, it was she who encouraged him to abandon his shaggy look in favor of a sharper and more modern haircut.

Murray is widely expected to become the first British man to win a Grand Slam championship since Fred Perry in 1936.

Kim Sears, girlfriend of Murray of Britain, watches his quarter-final match against Nishikori of Japan at the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne
Kim Sears, Andy Murray's girlfriend, watches his quarter-final match against Nishikori of Japan at the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne. Reuters
British tennis player Murray and his girlfriend Sears arrive for Burberry fashion show, during London Fashion Week
British tennis player Murray and his girlfriend Sears arrive for Burberry fashion show, during London Fashion Week Reuters
Kim Sears, Andy Murrays girlfriend, watching a match.
Kim Sears, Andy Murray's girlfriend, watching a match. Reuters
Kim Sears, watches from Centre Court at the Wimbledon tennis championships
Kim Sears, watches from Centre Court at the Wimbledon tennis championships Reuters