The wait is over as Andy Murray wins Wimbledon
With Britain basking in the sun, 77 years of national frustration, self-deprecation and scratching of heads finally melted away as Andy Murray beat Novak Djokovic to become the first British man to win Wimbledon since Fred Perry in 1936.
In a display of immense strength, belief and resilience, as well as enormous skill, Murray defeated the gifted Serbian world number one in straight sets, 6-4 7-5 6-4. In their wildest dreams, few fans would have anticipated Murray not dropping a set, especially given the pressure, wilting heat and the sheer fight of his opponent.
Murray broke early in a tight first set but was immediately broken back before taking the advantage again to win it 6-4.
Djokovic then piled on the pressure in the second set, breaking Murray and going 4-1 up before another remarkable comeback from the Scot saw him level things and break the Serb to take a 6-5 lead. He held his serve to take a 2-0 set advantage.
An immediate break in the third wowed the crowd. Murray appeared to be gaining a stranglehold before the Serb broke back twice to take a 4-2 lead and seemingly shifting the momentum. But Murray came back yet again, breaking the Serb and holding his own serve to level things at 4-4.
Then a brilliant game by Murray. WIth the strongly partisan crowd cheering every point he broke the Serb again to give him the chance to serve for the title.
In an astonishingly tense game, Murray was hauled back from the brink at 40-0 with Djokovic earning three break points. Murray, reaching deep within himself, saved each and then finally, a fourth championship point and victory.
Novak Djokovic showed great respect and sportsmanship in acceptin he was beaten by the better player. Following in the footsteps of several winners before him, Murray climbed the stand to embrace his team, his coach Ivan Lendl and his mother Judy Murray.
The waiting was over. Murray the most worthy of champions leaving the nation to savour its Pimms and strawberries which might just taste even better than they ever have before... or at least for the last 77 years.
