Andy Murray Ends British 77-year Wimbledon Drought with Three-Set Win Over Djokovic

Andy Murray took home the Wimbledon gentlemen’s singles title after an epic three-set battle with World #1 Novak Djokovic on Sunday. The 26 year-old Scot won not only his first Wimbledon title but also ended Britain’s 77 year-long wait for a Wimbledon champion after Fred Perry’s 1936 win.

Murray managed to come out the victor of a grueling and exciting tennis match at 6-4 7-5 6-4. Around 15,000 spectators at Centre Court and Henman Hill led by Britain’s Prime Minister David Cameron who was seated in the Royal Box erupted in cheers and applause at match point after a long and memorable final exchange from the top two players. The last game saw Murray let three match points slip before Serbia’s pride netted a ball with a backhand, ending three hours and ten minutes of amazing tennis and making Murray the 2013 Wimbledon champion.

“Pinnacle of tennis”

Millions of tennis fans around the country and the rest of the world watching on television cheered on Murray as he answered questions during the interview after he received the long-coveted trophy. This is Murray’s second Grand Slam title after winning the US Open in 2012. Murray also won the Olympic gold that year, besting Djokovic on the very same grass court.

History is rewritten

This year, Murray said that it “feels slightly different” from the toughest moment of his career, referring to last year’s failed attempt to secure the title. Now, Murray has cemented his place in the annals of UK history for being the second Scotsman to win a Wimbledon title after Harold Mahony’s achievement in 1896.

Andy Murray is now the 36th Briton to win a Wimbledon title. The United Kingdom retains the distinction of being the nation with the most men’s singles titles at the All England Club.

Praise and congratulations

Queen Elizabeth II reportedly sent Murray a private message. Prime Minister Cameron was more public in his praise of Murray. He posted a tweet saying that it was a privilege to witness Britain’s pride make tennis history. British Olympic champion Sir Chris Hoy who was in the box with Murray’s family and friends said that Andy fought a “real battle” and that it was a privilege to share the special moment. Finally, Britain can celebrate a Wimbledon win after 77 years, he added. Penny Perry, Fred Perry’s daughter called the victory “surreal.” Other prominent athletes and celebrities posted tweets of congratulations to Andy and his coach Ivan Lendl, who was a former tennis champion himself.

Thanks, Coach

Meanwhile, Murray’s praise was reserved for his coach, former world number one Ivan Lendl. Murray told the press the Lendl believed in him when many people did not and that his coach had been very patient with him. Lendl’s influence on Andy’s play became evident as the Dunblane native managed to hold the fort against the top seeded player dominating all three sets of this year’s Wimbledon final.

The burden of winning the most prestigious tennis tournament in the world has been hanging on Murray’s head for the past few years. Now the British are basking in the glory of Murray’s victory. Finally, Andy Murray has won in his home court.

Photo Credit: Andy Murray