Scotland’s Andy Murray became the first British tennis player to win the men’s singles tournament at Wimbledon in 77 long years when he captured the tournament on July 7.The 26-year-old was firing on all cylinders in the center court as he beat No. 1-ranked Novak Djokovic of Serbia in straight sets by scores of 6-4, 7-5, and 6-4. The last British male to win the event was Fred Perry back in 1936. Murray’s win could possibly earn him a knighthood from the Queen.
Murray, of Dunblane, Scotland, was pushed to the limit in the sweltering heat, but showed the determination needed to win the title.
Murray broke his opponent’s service twice during the match to the delight of thousands of very loud partisan British fans. He broke Djokovic’s serve during the first game of the second set, but found himself trailing 4-1 behind. However, he came storming back to level the set at 4-4. Murray eventually won the set 7-5 and looked to be in control and well on his way to victory.
Murray struggled slightly in the third set though and dropped a two-game edge and fell behind, 4-2.
But he fought back valiantly again and pulled ahead 5-4. Three championship points flew by before he finally secured the win ad Djokovic lunged towards the ball, but drove it straight into the net. After the match, Murray said the last game was the toughest he’s ever played in his career and winning Wimbledon still hadn’t really sunk in.
For many British fans, they have never seen a men’s winner at Wimbledon in their lifetimes and only a small percentage have witnessed the nation win the World Cup of soccer, when England won it on their home turf in 1966.
They lined up for hours before the match to purchase tickets as they felt Murray had a good chance to break the decades-long slump. British Prime Minister David Cameron was in the crowd along with numerous celebrities and even some members of the Royal Family. Some fans even camped out overnight to make sure they were able to secure tickets.
Ivan Lendl, the former great tennis pro and now Murray’s coach, said there were some tense moments in the match but Murray overcame adversity every time he was faced with it. He added that Murray worked hard for his title and he should be proud of what he’s accomplished. All of Britain was behind the Scotsman and thousands of fans across the nation watched the match on huge screens located in various communities.
Murray lost the final at Wimbledon last year, but managed to win the men’s singles event at the Summer Olympics in London. He’s been one of the most consistent tennis players over the last several years and said he can’t wait to try and defend his newly-won crown next year.
