Andy Murray has made the Britons proud by winning the Wimbledon title for the second time in 36 months by beating Milos Raonic of Canada. After winning the match Murray simply slumped into his chair and sobbed into a towel relieved to have ended a 36-month search for a third grand slam title with victory over Raonic.
That barren stretch had included coming off second best in this year's Australian and French Open finals to his nemesis-in-chief, Novak Djokovic. While the world number one's shock third-round departure from Wimbledon elevated Murray to the title favourite during the second week of the championships, he also knew that one false move could leave him with the dubious distinction of becoming the first man in the professional era to lose the finals of the season's first three grand slam events.
"I've had some great moments but also some tough losses and this win feels extra special because of the tough losses," Murray said moments after spotting his name on the gilded surface of the Challenge Cup. "I'm proud to get my hands on the trophy again," added the 29-year-old, who beat Raonic 6-4, 7-6(3), 7-6(2).
With the 15,000-strong crowd, which included greats such as Bjorn Borg, Stefan Edberg and Boris Becker, roaring their approval, there was one man on Centre Court who maintained a poker face throughout the jubilant celebrations. A month after rekindling his coaching relationship with Murray following a two-year hiatus, it was job done for Ivan Lendl as Murray's win-loss record during the grasscourt season stood at 12-0.
Lendl has now proved that when it comes to Murray, he is the coach with the Midas touch. In Lendl's absence, Murray had reached three major finals but each time Djokovic had proved to be a recurring nightmare that simply would not go away.
However, after winning only two of his previous 10 slam finals, the world number two hopes Sunday's victory and his reunion with Lendl will put him on the path to re-addressing that imbalance.
"Last time (in 2013) I was so relieved ... There was so much stress and pressure, I didn't really get a chance to enjoy it as much," said Murray after he won his first major since getting married and becoming a father.
The Canadian, a nuts and bolts kind of player, didn't quite have the tools for the big stage. “This one will sting,” the 6 ft 5' Raonic said. “I'll do whatever I can as these courts are green for another chance. It has been a phenomenal two weeks, I work very hard to improve and I'll continue to do that and hopefully be back here next year.”
Murray, the older and sufficiently seasoned pro, kicked off the mind games even before the first ball was served. Raonic almost charged out on court as soon as the umpire called play, but Murray fiddled with his bag, taking his time. As the Canadian stalked the baseline, the Scot ran through his notes, letting the younger man stew.
The 25-year-old, the first Canadian man ever to make a Grand Slam final, struggled with nerves. Murray, in his 11th Grand Slam final, cheered on by a vocal home crowd, broke in the seventh game when his opponent dropped his wrist and dumped a forehand volley into the net. The break giving the two-time major winner the early advantage.
