![]() |
Andy Murray beat Novak Djokovic in straight sets in the Wimbledon final to become the first British man in 77 years to win at the All England Club. |
London: Andy Murray described the dramatic conclusion to his historic Wimbledon triumph as the hardest points he had ever played. (Match report)
Murray ended Britain's agonising 77-year wait for a Wimbledon men's singles champion with a 6-4, 7-5, 6-4 victory over world number one Novak Djokovic on Sunday.
The 26-year-old, who lost in a tearful Wimbledon final against Roger Federer last year, became the country's first male winner since Fred Perry in 1936.
Murray squandered three matches points before finally taking the title at the fourth attempt.
And the world number two, whose only other major crown came at the US Open last year, admitted the pressure of closing out the win was almost unbearable.
![]() |
Fairytales can have sad endings, says Novak Djokovic |
"I have played Novak many times and when everyone finishes playing, he will go down as one of the fighters.
"He did the same today and that is what made it tough. I understand how much everyone wanted to see a British winner at Wimbledon and I hope everyone enjoyed it."
Murray clambered into the players' box to hug his girlfriend Kim Sears, coach Ivan Lendl and the rest of his support team.
"I did forget Mum, but then I did remember," he added.
![]() |
Partying on the streets in Dunblane. Quite literally |
Murray's mother admitted she could barely remember how Murray actually won the final game because she had been reduced to a nervous wreck by that point.
"I was an emotional wreck but now it is the best feeling ever to watch your son win Wimbledon," she said. "I can't remember what happened in the last game but he was gutsy and determined to win that trophy today.
"I have been shaking for about three hours now. I have been around tennis for many years, you can never sit back and relax and think it is in the bag.
Djokovic, who lost in straight sets at a Grand Slam for the first time since the semi-finals at Wimbledon three years ago, praised Murray.
"It wasn't easy. Andy deserves the win, he played incredible tennis. Congratulations to him and his whole team and the country, I know what it means to you all," said the Serb.
"It makes the success even bigger as I am aware of the pressure he gets. There are always lots of expectations on him to win this tournament. It's a great achievement."
Four-time Wimbledon semi-finalist Tim Henman was delighted to see his compatriot and close friend finally end Britain's long wait for an All England Club champion.
"It's absolutely fantastic. It was the sheer will, that ability to find a way to get the job done when Djokovic would not go away," he told BBC Sport.
"He was serving for history, 40-0 up and Djokovic saved three match points.
"It's an unbelievable achievement for him and one we're all incredibly proud of. He always in his heart of hearts believed he could win the tournament.
"He had the huge disappointment of losing the final 12 months ago but knew he could do it."
Boris Becker, a three-time Wimbledon champion, saluted Murray's will to win.
"It is reality now, and for where he's come from and what he's gone through, it's an incredible performance," he said.
No comments:
Post a Comment