Andy Murray has claimed his place as a British sporting legend by winning the men’s singles title at Wimbledon.
On a baking hot day at SW19 that will live long in the memory, the Dunblane star beat Serbia’s World No.1 Novak Djokovic in straight sets 6-4 7-5 6-4.
His victory means Murray becomes the first British man since Fred Perry in 1936 to lift the men’s title at the All England Club.
Murray was in tears of anguish last year after being beaten in the final by Roger Federer, but there was only joy this time.
“It feels slightly different to last year,” Murray said.”Last year was one of the toughest moments of my career, so to manage to win the tournament today…
“It was an unbelievably tough match, so many long games. I don’t know how I managed to come through that last game from (holding) three match points,” he said.
“I’m so glad to finally do it.”
The title was sealed with a nerve-shredding final Murray service game. The Scot had raced to a 40-0 lead but then saw the Serb hit back to force a series of break points.
But Murray showed courage where it was needed to claim the game and the match after a fourth deuce.
The players had been greeted by a huge roar as they made their entrance on to Centre Court for the start of the match, with the Royal Box guests including Prime Minister David Cameron, Scotland’s First Minister Alex Salmond and Serbian president Tomislav Nikolic, plus stars from sport and entertainment, including England striker Wayne Rooney and Scottish movie star Gerard Butler.
The supporters in Murray’s box included six-time Olympic cycling champion Sir Chris Hoy, as well as his usual coaching team, girlfriend Kim Sears, dad Willie and good friend Ross Hutchins, with mum Judy sitting in the row behind.
Murray and Djokovic were born only a week apart in May 1987 and first played against each other as 11-year-olds.
See full coverage and reaction in Monday’s special souvenir edition of The Courier.