He's done it! Murray the Magnificent becomes first British man to win Wimbledon in 77 years after beating Djokovic in straight sets
- Andy Murray from Dunblane, Scotland, becomes the first British Wimbledon champion since Fred Perry in 1936
- He said the 15,000-strong crowd helped him through some tough battles on the court right up to his victory today
- Conditions were tough on Centre Court for both players in SW London as temperatures soared to more than 30C
- Girlfriend Kim Sears was at the forefront of the supporters in the players' box with Judy Murray, the Scot's mother
- Prime Minister David Cameron, Hollywood actor Bradley Cooper, and footballer Wayne Rooney also in the crowd
|
Andy Murray sensationally became the first British man to be crowned Wimbledon champion in 77 years today, after beating Novak Djokovic in three straight sets in the men's singles final.
The 26-year-old is the first home player to lift the men’s singles trophy since Fred Perry in 1936 after winning the match 6-4, 7-5 and 6-4. Murray, who has spoken of the importance of crowd support during the tournament, was greeted with a standing ovation and cheers as he beat the world number one.
The Scot threw his hands in the air, smiling before embracing his Serbian opponent. He kicked a tennis ball into the crowd and then dropped to his knees, shaking. His girlfriend Kim Sears jumped out of her seat in the players' box at All England Club's most famous court as Murray secured his victory.
Scroll down for video
Glorious moment for British sport: Andy Murray holds up the Wimbledon trophy after defeating Serbia's Novak Djokovic in the Men's Final yesterday
Sheer relief: Andy Murray collapses to his knees after beating Novak Djokovic in three straight sets
What a match: Great Britain's Andy Murray celebrates beating Serbia's Novak Djokovic on a sweltering day 13 of the Wimbledon Championships in south-west London
On a winning streak: Andy Murray has become the first British man to win Wimbledon in 77 years after beating Novak Djokovic in three straight sets
Family support: Andy Murray's mother Judy and girlfriend Kim Sears both watched the final from the sidelines. He ran up into the stands to give them both a kiss after securing his victory
Moment of glory: Andy Murray receives a standing ovation from the crowd after beating Novak Djokovic to become Wimbledon champion
Making history: Andy Murray embraces Serbia's Novak Djokovic after his victory in the men's singles final
Winners: Andy Murray, left, poses with the Wimbledon trophy alongside Novak Djokovic after he won the Men's singles final match at the All England Lawn Tennis Championships in Wimbledon
Sitting a row behind, Judy Murray - the Scot's mother - couldn't hide her delight, and relief, as her son took one of the most coveted titles in tennis. Murray broke down in tears of joy as his triumph sank in before sprinting across the famous lawn to embrace his girlfriend in the player’s box.
He first hugged coach Ivan Lendl, then his girlfriend, before turning to other members of his team, as well as fellow Olympian Chris Hoy. The Scot appeared to forget mother Judy, who broke down in tears after his win and could be heard to say 'finally' as she hugged other supporters in the box.
Murray returned to hug his mother and give her a kiss before she was congratulated by his opponent’s parents.
Expressing her delight at her son's achievement, she said: 'It's the best feeling ever to see your son win Wimbledon. This is what he has talked about winning since he was a little boy, it was a dream that has become a reality now for him.'
Well done: Andy Murray kisses his girlfriend Kim Sears after defeating Novak Djokovic
Delight: Kim Sears cheered on her boyfriend throughout the final today and gave him a kiss after he secured victory in three straight sets
Yes! Kim Sears jumps out of her seat with delight as her boyfriend Andy Murray realised his dream of becoming Wimbledon champion
She can't believe it: Kim Sears was ecstatic as Murray won the championship point at the end of an action-packed Wimbledon men's singles final
Mrs Murray admitted she found it hard to watch her son's triumph. 'I have been shaking for the last three hours,' she added.
How the action unfolded at Wimbledon
Djokovic went up a break in both the second and third sets and, both times, appeared to have grabbed at least a bit of control and quietened the crowd.
But Murray dug out of both holes. In the second set, he set up break point with a sharply angled forehand that Djokovic couldn't handle, and the Serb responded with a double-fault, one of four on the day.
In the third set, Murray lost four straight games to fall behind 4-2, but got the break back and - eventually - closed it out by winning the last four games.
Trailing 5-4 in the third, Djokovic rushed out to the court after the break - a man who seemingly wanted to get it over with. Murray quickly went ahead 40-0 and it looked to be all but over.
But the next few minutes felt like forever. Djokovic saved the first three championship points, then had three break opportunities of his own. He couldn't convert any.
Then, finally, Murray put it away when Djokovic put a backhand in the net. A few minutes later, the 26-year-old Murray was kissing the trophy after a 6-4 7-5 6-4 win.
'I am fine now but 15 minutes ago (just before Murray won) I was an emotional wreck. I can't remember exactly what happened. I know he was 40-0 up in the last game and then it went to deuce, but he gutsed it out.
'There were some outrageous points in the final game. They had been out there for three hours and it was so hot, but he was so determined to win it.'
Murray was seeded second for the tournament behind Djokovic, but his mother always suspected her son would go on to become the first British man since Fred Perry to triumph at the All England Club.
'I had a good feeling,' she said. 'He has been strong and composed all week, but Novak is such a tough competitor so to bury him you have to play unbelievably. You have to play your A game to win and Andy brought a pretty decent game today.'
After being announced as Wimbledon champion and presented with the golden trophy, Murray said he could not remember the final game that earned it him.
‘I really don’t know what happened,' he said. 'I can’t even remember, that’s how well I was concentrating. It feels slightly different to last year. Last year was one of the toughest moments of my career, so to win it this year…
'It was an unbelievably tough match. I don’t know how I managed to come through that last game. Three match points. I’m so glad to finally do it.
‘I’ve played Novak many times and he’s going to go down as one of the biggest fighters ever. He’s come back so many times from losing positions. I just managed to squeeze through in the end. I know how much people want a British winner, I hope you guys enjoyed it, I tried my best.
‘I’ve got a great team, they’ve stuck by me through a lot of tough moments. This one’s for Ivan as well. I know he did everything to try and win this when he was playing, I’m glad I was able to help him out when he was coaching. He’s been brilliant with me, I’m not easy at times.'
Djokovic was magnanimous in defeat. 'Congratulations to Andy,' he said. 'You absolutely deserved this win. You played incredible tennis. I know how much it means to your whole country. Well done.'
He also congratulated the Scot's team, saying: 'I know how much it means to them and how much it means to all of you guys in the whole country and well done.'
Following in the footsteps of previous Wimbledon winners: Andy Murray climbs up to his friends and family after defeating Serbia's Novak Djokovic
Tradition: Andy Murray walks into the stands to celebrate with relatives and friends after he defeated Novak Djokovic
Proud: Andy Murray spots his mother Judy, pictured to his right, after he climbed up into the stands at Wimbledon after his win
Happy moment: Andy Murray kisses his mother Judy who broke down into tears of delight after he won the men's final at Wimbledon
End of the 'Curse of Cameron': Murray won the match despite the attendance of David Cameron, pictured front left next to Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond, who has a reputation for jinxing British hopefuls at sporting events
Calm face: Jelena Ristic, the girlfriend of Novak Djokovic, watches her man struggle against Andy Murray
At the forefront of supporters: Kim Sears, the girlfriend of Andy Murray, claps as the final Men's singles final match gets underway in the blistering heat today
All star crowd: Ed Miliband, Rod Laver, Victoria Beckham, Wayne Rooney and his wife Coleen at the Wimbledon final yesterday
Under pressure: Novak Djokovic wipes his brow between points during his men's final match against Andy Murray
He said he was aware of the pressure on Murray, adding: 'That makes his success even bigger because I am aware of the pressure that he gets. I gave it all, it was an absolutely pleasure and an honour again to be a part of this final.'
Murray's mother and girlfriend had been joined by six-time Olympic cycling champion Sir Chris Hoy, as well as Murray's usual coaching team, dad Willie and good friend Ross Hutchins in the player's box to watch the action packed final.
Prime Minister David Cameron, Hollywood heart-throb Bradley Cooper, and footballer Wayne Rooney were also cheering on the Scot from coveted seats in Centre Court today.
A string of stars have seen their hopes of glory fade following previous endorsement from the Tory leader, but Murray was unaffected by the so-called 'Curse of Cameron'.
Mr Cameron had wished Murray luck, saying: 'I think the whole country has been incredibly impressed, not just with his skill but with his courage and his mental courage in coming through to the final yet again. The whole country is right behind you Andy - go for it.'
The Queen and the Prime Minister led congratulations to Murray. The monarch sent a private message to the Scot following his emotional straight sets victory over Djokovic, Buckingham Palace said.
Score! Britain's Andy Murray celebrates winning a game against Serbia's Novak Djokovic during the men's singles final on day thirteen of the 2013 Wimbledon Championships
Pride of Britain: A spectator shows his loyalty in a blazer-tie-and-specs combination as Murray advances against Novak Djokovic of Serbia on the big screen at Murray Mound at the Wimbledon Tennis Championships
The face of a winner? Andy Murrays concentration cannot be faltered as he smashes the ball to Djokovic under a scorching London sun
Hollywood heartthrobs: Actor Gerard Butler, pictured right in a Hugo Boss suit, and Bradley Cooper watch the Men's singles final match between Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic
Bend it like Beckham: Victoria Beckham was among the celebrity spectators watching the match from the Royal Box
Mr Cameron, who was in the Royal Box on Centre Court, said it had brought back memories of last year's London Olympics. 'It was fantastic, it was an absolutely brilliant performance, an amazing day for Andy Murray but also an incredible day for British tennis and for Britain,' he told BBC News.
'It's the best feeling ever to see your son win Wimbledon. This is what he has talked about winning since he was a little boy - it was a dream that has become a reality now'
Judy Murray
Mr Cameron was joined by other well-known public figures including Victoria Beckham and celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay's wife Tana. Labour leader Ed Miliband, actor Gerard Butler and Scotland's First Minister Alex Salmond also had prime seats in Centre Court.
The match got underway after Murray and Djokovic took part in the customary coin toss, performed by 11-year-old Pinki Sonkar, from India, who was born with a cleft lip and received life-changing surgery thanks to the charity Smile Train.
On the hottest day of the year, with the mercury soaring above 30 degrees Celsius, the world's two best players produced some scorching sinew-stretching action from the start and the first three games alone lasted 20 minutes.
Watching history: Greg and Lucy Rusedski seated in Centre Court to watch Murray in his bid to become the first British male tennis player to win Wimbledon in 77 years
Heating up: Andy Murray, pictured left, and Novak Djokovic, pictured right, both had to cope with temperatures topping 30C during the men's final
Momentous occasion: Rolling Stones musician Ronnie Wood sits with his wife Sally Humpheys in the crowd at Centre Court
On form: Andy Murray took the first set in his final match against Novak Djokovic
The opening salvo of the Centre Court clash lasted 20 strokes as Murray went up 0-40 on the Serb's serve but Djokovic produced staunch defence to stave off his opponent's attack.
'I just managed to squeeze through in the end. I know how much people want a British winner - I hope you guys enjoyed it, I tried my best'
Andy Murray
The duo did trade breaks in the third and fourth games, with each Murray win being greeted by a chorus of 15,000 roars.
Second seed Murray got another chance to break to love in the seventh game and this time he pounced as the 2011 champion surrendered his serve by slapping a backhand into the net.
A set that initially looked like lasting forever ended exactly on the hour mark as Djokovic whipped a service return wide to give Murray, runner-up to Roger Federer last year, the one-set cushion.
Mound-ting pressure: Tennis fans who has queued since the early morning hours gathered in the thousands to watch Murray in the final on Djokovich on Murray Mound in Wimbledon
Calming her nerves: A female spectator drinks in the crowd during a less tense moment of the Wimbledon men's singles final between Djokovic and Murray
Split game: Djokovic looks frustrated as he falls to the ground and fails to return to Andy Murray
Novak-robat: Serbia's Novak Djokovic stretches himself to the limit, but falls mid-set as the temperatures in south-west London edged closer to the 30C mark
The battle between the two players, who were born seven days apart in 1987, intensified in the second set as they went toe-to-toe from the baseline with 25-shot rallies being par for the course.
Djokovic, who survived a four hour 43 minute semi-final epic against Juan Martin Del Potro two days ago, showed his super-human ability to recover quickly as he ran down everything Murray could throw at him.
The Serb rattled Murray by going for the lines and broke for a 3-1 lead when Olympic and U.S. Open champion Murray flicked a forehand into the net.
Even when Djokovic slipped and skidded flat on to his stomach while trying to chase down a Murray winner, the six-times grand slam champion appeared unfazed as he quickly got back on to his feet to extend his lead to 4-1.
You can do it Andy! A young tennis fan holds a Union Jack banner with a message of support for Andy Murray
In action: Andy Murray of Britain stretches for a return by Novak Djokovic during the Men's singles final match
Wayne and Coleen Rooney in the Royal Box on Centre Court to watch Andy Murray in the Wimbledon tennis final
'Curse of Cameron': Tennis fans hope that David Cameron doesn't live up to his reputation for jinxing Britain's chances at sporting events
But Murray, who trains in the intense Miami heat even on Christmas Day, showed off his iron-man conditioning as he stormed back to level at 4-4, a Djokovic double fault on break point down handing him the break back in the seventh game.
While the cheering crowd, which included British Prime Minister David Cameron, got behind a pumped up Murray, Djokovic simply exploded in anger in the 11th game.
Convinced that Murray had gone long mid-rally at 15-15, he screamed at umpire Mohamed Lahyani 'Whyyyyyyyyyyyy? What's going on?' as he gesticulated wildly to show what he thought the linesman had failed to see.
Murray ignored the uproar to break the fuming Serb and soon had the fans roaring when he wrapped up the 69-minute second set with a 125mph thunderbolt ace.
Big draw: The crowd grows silent as tensions mount in Wimbledon and Murray looks close to winning a set
Emotional roller coaster: David Cameron displays a range of emotions as Murray moves on the lawn, going from tense concentration to despair within seconds
Another fall: Novak Djokovic of Serbia slips on the grass during the Gentlemen's Singles Final match on day thirteen of the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in south-west London
Murray broke in the opening game of the third set, successfully challenging Hawkeye to show that Djokovic's backhand on breakpoint had in fact dropped long.
The tension ratcheted to an almost unbearable level, no more so than in the final game as he conceded a string of match points before finally clinching victory. Murray won and lost three match points, leaving 15,000 fans gasping in disbelief.
The pulses were racing even faster as Djokovic displayed his own survival instincts to earn three break points before a wondrous volley winner gave Murray another championship point.
This time Djokovic could not deny him and when the Serb dragged a backhand into the net after yet another lengthy exchange, 60 million Britons leapt up and Murray tossed his racket to the famous turf.
Close call: Novak Djokovic hits a return to Andy Murray after Britain's number one took the first set
Blistering heat: Andy Murray, pictured left, and Novak Djokovic, pictured right, both took the opportunity to sit in the shade of an umbrella during a break in the final as temperatures soared to above 30C
Doing the splits: Novak Djokovic manages to return a difficult shot to Andy Murray doing the men's final yesterday
But while temperatures around the country hit 30C, head court groundsman Neil Stubley said that the temperatures out on the court were around 40C.
Katherine Eaton, regional events manager for St John Ambulance London, said medics have treated Wimbledon visitors for a number of heat-related ailments, including dehydration, sunburn and heat exhaustion as the mercury soared this weekend.
She said: 'We’ve had a busy weekend at Wimbledon, with the hot weather contributing to a number of ailments, including dehydration, sunburn and heat exhaustion.
'Our volunteers are determined to be the difference by making sure that everyone has access to essential first aid; and we would like everyone who is visiting to make themselves aware of where they can seek help should they begin to feel unwell.'
On the up: Jelena Ristic, the girlfriend of Novak Djokovic, cheers after he wins a point during the second set against Andy Murray
Three cheers for Murray! A field of British fans watching a giant TV showing the game, rise as one when Andy Murray advances during the Wimbledon final
Coveted seats: Spectators wave Union Jack flags on Centre Court as they watch Andy Murray in the final
Go Andy: Spectators on Centre Court hold a banner aloft displaying a message in support of Andy Murray while others cheer him on
Game underway: Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic at the net prior to the men's final for the Wimbledon Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis Club
Securing a good spot: Fans take their places on Murray Mound to watch the tennis ace take on Djockovic yesterday
Camping out: Spectators take a well-earned rest after spending several hours queuing for tickets
Fighting for room: Spectators crowd Murray Mound ahead of the Gentlemen's Singles final match between Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic
Dedicated: Many of the fans had spent several hours queuing to secure a spot on Murray's Mount - with many even camping out over night
Murray Mount was packed with fans who braved scorching temperatures to watch the Scot take to the court. Many sheltered from the heat under umbrellas or fanned themselves amid soaring temperatures in SW19.
Security staff told supporters arriving at 1pm that there was no space left on the steep bank and directed them away to another screen, set up on Court two. The queue for the ground was full by 7am this morning, with some in it having camped since Friday to get a ticket.
Meanwhile others who arrived too late to even attempt to get tickets to enter the grounds filled up the local pubs to watch the match on big screen TVs.
This morning Murray went through a warm-up session at the competitors' practice courts alongside coach Ivan Lendl and the Scot's trusted team.
Crowd control: Thousands of fans are walked to Murray Mount at The All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in Wimbledon ahead of yesterday's final
Contest: Spectators walk past an electronic board displaying information about Andy Murray ahead of his match against the world number one tennis player Novak Djokovic
Special print: A tennis fan wears a t-shirt with the logo 'I Heart Andy Murray' and rosette with the tennis star's picture on it
Tennis fans: The Duchess of Cambridge's brother James Middleton, left, and Donna Air, right, arrive for the Wimbledon Men's Finals
Support: Tennis player and close friend of Andy Murray, Ross Hutchins, waves as he walks through the crowds at Wimbledon ahead of the final
Writing on his BBC blog, he revealed how much his fans support has helped him to the brink of sporting history and said he hoped to do his fans proud.
He said: 'The support I've had for the last few years at Wimbledon has been great and I hope to do everyone proud.'
'I need to play a very solid match from start to finish and fight for every single point, because Novak doesn't give you too many cheap games or mistakes. I just have to be stubborn and not give too much away.'
He said after practising at the All England Club yesterday afternoon, he spent time with girlfriend Kim Sears and their Border terriers Maggie May and Rusty, before going through his tactics with Team Murray.
And he promised to save any indulgences until after the final, saying: 'Nothing bad until after the match'.
Celebrity fans: Chris Hoy and wife Sarra, pictured left, and Boris Becker and wife Lilly, pictured right, arriving at Wimbledon to watch Murray's final today
Finishing touches: The names of Serbia's Novak Djokovic and Great Britain's Andy Murray are put up on the Order of Play this morning
Title shot: Andy Murray, pictured arriving at The All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, is hoping to become the first British Wimbledon champion since Fred Perry in 1936
Getting warmed up: Andy Murray and his coach Ival Lendl practise shots ahead of yesterday's final
Getting prepped: Andy Murray during a training session on the practice courts at The All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club ahead of the final this morning
Soaking up the atmosphere: A fan cheers after arriving on Murray Mount and securing a good position
Former British Davis Cup captain John Lloyd believes Murray’s success in last year’s US Open has set him on a roll and the Wimbledon title will be the start of a succession of honours for the 26-year-old.
He said: ‘I am convinced that Murray will be knighted at some stage in his life. Winning Wimbledon will just accelerate the honour being bestowed on him.'
'As Wimbledon champion, Murray’s fame would spread across the world to make him the second most recognisable British sportsman after David Beckham. The title will have that much effect.'
Murray, 26, is expected to land a raft of new sponsorship deals if he emerges triumphant today and stands to rake in up to £15 million a year.
The boost to his finances could put him just behind Lennox Lewis and David Beckham as one of the top earning British sports stars in history.
A tennis fan has Wimbledon 2013 painted on her arm ahead of the Gentlemen's Singles final match at the tennis grounds
Worth the wait: Fans run up the hills to grab the best spots on Murray Mount
Pulling out all the stops: A tennis fan wears a suit made up of Union Jack flags as he waits in line for tickets to watch Andy Murray in the final at Wimbledon
The Scot, who won his first grand slam at the US Open last year, was ranked at number 32 in The Sunday Times Sports Rich List 2013 with an estimated fortune of £32 million.
Victory against Novak Djokovic today landed him £1.6 million in prize money. Nigel Currie, director of the sports marketing agency brandRapport, said the British number one can now profit from a series of lucrative new contracts.
'If Murray wins at Wimbledon, it means he is not a one-hit-wonder,' Mr Currie said. 'With Roger Federer beginning to show his age and his form perhaps fading, and Rafael Nadal with injury worries, it could mean that Murray and Novak Djokovic will be the main two for the next few years.
'If you're number one or two in the world of tennis, which is such a global sport, the marketing opportunities are fantastic. Murray could secure some really big deals with the biggest brands.
'He's reported to be earning £8 million or £9 million off court at the moment. We could see that edging up to £15 million if he wins at Wimbledon.'
Home support: A Scottish supporter holds up the national flag on Murray Mound ahead of yesterday's final
Ready to go: Fans in high spirits as they take their places on Murray Mount this morning
Patience: Spectators wait in line for tickets on men's finals day at the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club
Going all out: A group of tennis fans on a stag weekend wait in line for tickets on men's finals day
Support across Britain: Butchers from David Bennett and Sons Butchers in Andy Murray's home town of Dunblane, Scotland, get ready to cheer on the tennis star in the final
Home town: From left to right are Barry Thomson, Adrian Brennan, Gordon Sheach and Euan Shearer who have travelled to Dunblane to watch the final in Andy's home town
Game set Murray: Finlay Sheriff in Andy Murray's home town of Dunblane in Scotland, ahead of the Andy Murray v Novak Djokovic Wimbledon final
Packed out: Crowds watch Murray play on a large screen on Northcote Road in Battersea this afternoon
SMILING PINKI FLIPS COIN AT WIMBLEDON
Special honour: Pinki waves and smiles at the crowd as she walks on to Centre Court at Wimbledon to help perform the coin toss
A young girl from India who was given a new smile thanks to a cleft lip and palate charity had the honour of deciding who served first at Andy Murray's Wimbledon final today.
Pinki Sonkar, 11, from India, said she had been practising ahead of the coin toss. In the event, Murray won the toss and rival Novak Djokovic served first.
Pinki was born with a severe cleft, and was tormented by other children until she received life-changing surgery thanks to the charity Smile Train, which she represented today.
The charity provides free cleft surgery and care to hundreds of thousands of poor children in developing countries, and trains doctors and medical professionals in more than 80 countries.
In 2007, Pinki and her father went on foot to Benares, India, to a Smile Train partner hospital where she received free life-changing cleft repair surgery.
Her story was captured in the Oscar-winning documentary short, Smile Pinki, and became an inspiration to others born with a cleft.
She travelled to London via New York, where she attended a special celebration of Wimbledon in Madison Square Park.
Speaking before her big moment, she said: 'Before my operation, I didn't want to go to school and felt sad a lot of the time.
'Now, I go to school every day and have lots of friends. Smile Train has made me happy.
'I am very excited to be going to Wimbledon and doing the coin toss in front of so many people. I have been practising lots!'
Pinki will watch the match with Dr Subodh Kumar Singh, who performed the surgery, as well as enjoying lunch and tea in the Competitors' Restaurant.
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2357781/Hes-Andy-Murray-WINS-WIMBLEDON-ending-77-years-British-tennis-hurt-beating-Djokovic-straight-sets-Centre-Court.html#ixzz2YPBowjDd
Follow us: @MailOnline on Twitter | DailyMail on Facebook