Andy Murray won his first Wimbledon title and ended Britain's 77-year wait for a men's champion with a hard-fought victory over world number one Novak Djokovic.
The Scot, 26, converted his fourth championship point in a dramatic final game to win 6-4 7-5 6-4 and claim his second major title.
Murray was willed on by the majority of the 15,000 spectators on Center Court, thousands watching on the nearby big screen and millions more around the United Kingdom.
The final game was a battle in itself, with Murray seeing three match points slip by from 40-0 and fending off three Djokovic break points with some fearless hitting, before the Serb netted a backhand to end the contest. After a grueling three hours 10 minutes in searing temperatures, Murray had finally followed in the footsteps of Fred Perry's 1936 win at the All England Club.
Perry used to leap over the net in celebration, but Britain's new champion roared in delight before sinking to his knees on the turf. Murray, who collected a first prize of £1.6 M ($2.4 M), then headed into the stands to celebrate with his family and support team, moments later parading the trophy around Center Court.
The ghost of Fred Perry had finally been exorcised by Murray and all of Great Britain could now heave the proverbial sigh of relief.
SPORTS AND RECREATION
Posts
