While the whole nation was rooting for Andy Murray to rewrite the history books, nowhere outside of Wimbledon’s Centre Court was the atmosphere more tense than in his home town of Dunblane.
The close-knit community where so many of his family still live has been his staunchest supporter, never wavering in their collective belief that he was bound for sporting greatness.
”Everybody has always been behind Andy, no matter which tournament, though Wimbledon is obviously special,” said local woman Mary Graham. ”I just think the people of Dunblane are happy to have such a famous son.”
Although it was not to be on in Sunday’s final against Roger Federer, supporters refused to be deflated by the defeat, taking heart from his outstanding performance.
”It was a brave effort by Andy. The result doesn’t matter he is still a national hero round here,” said 21-year-old Melanie Stewart. ”I am sure he will have another chance for Wimbledon glory.”
Evidence of Murray’s success in the tournament and the affection in which he is held could be seen across Dunblane.
From banners draped around the town to shop windows decked out with tennis memorabilia, the pride in Murray’s journey was evident.
The big event did not manage to interrupt play at Dunblane Bowling Club but a huge ‘Good Luck Andy’ banner had been stretched between two flagpoles and cheers could be heard from the clubhouse at every hard-won point.
The streets in the town fell eerily silent during the match and people gathered in pubs and hotels to enjoy the spectacle as a community experience.
One of the major hubs was the Dunblane Centre, where a couple of hundred people of all ages gathered to watch the drama unfold on a large screen.
”Getting to the finals was an immense achievement and all of us at the Dunblane Centre were rooting for Andy,” said centre trustee Stewart Prodger.
He praised the support that the Murray family had given to the centre in the past and thanked the businesses that had supported the community event, in particular Marks & Spencer, who donated strawberries and cream to ensure the atmosphere was enjoyed by all.
Fellow trustee David Spooner was equally fulsome in his praise for Murray’s achievement.
He said: ”It is marvellous for the town to be associated with something so positive.”
Former Miss Scotland and Miss UK Katharine Brown (25), who played tennis with the Murray brothers as a child, said: ”I really felt for Andy at the end but he should be so proud of everything he has achieved. He played his heart out and showed he is truly world class.
”He is in spectacular form at the moment it was the greatness of his opponent, rather than any errors of his own, that decided the outcome of the match.”
Mary Taylor (65) has no doubts that Murray will one day win a Grand Slam tournament.
She said: ”I was at the edge of my seat, and up off my seat, for most of the match. Although I am so disappointed for Andy, I know he will do it. He is a true great.”
Calum Johnson (23), who watched the match at the Dunblane Hotel, said: ”He was so close. Unlike some other sports, just a split second in tennis means so much.
”He played some incredible shots and showed he is going from strength to strength.”Andy’s still our home town heroSome passing through my home town of Dunblane on Sunday might have presumed the red, white and blue bunting was a remnant of recent jubilee celebrations but, in fact, it was a homage to our own sporting royalty, writes Kirsten Johnson.
The party atmosphere in the town rivalled that of June 2 and the cheers during the amazing first set could have raised the roof at SW19.
Andy Murray has given my community something to be immensely proud about and I would advise anyone with opinions about his television manner to continue on down the A9.
We really thought he would claim his first grand slam title this time but we are certain he will do it.
He made history this week and will continue to do so until he hangs up that famous racket.
He was in the year below me at school, and everyone always knew Andy was destined for great things.
Yearbook photographs show him as a tiny S1 standing proudly as a member of the senior tennis team.
I recall my younger brother then about 11 or 12 coming home from the local courts one summer evening telling all who would listen that he had managed to score a point against a ”future Wimbledon champ”.
That same brother now 23 was among the crowds at the local pub for the duration of Sunday’s match and said to me when he returned: ”next stop: US Open.”
Quite.
Photo by Lynne Cameron/PA Wire