Teary Murray finally wins over a reluctant nation

07/07/2012

What’s another 74 years? 74 years since a British man reached the final of Wimbledon. And 76 since Fred Perry won the last Wimbledon title by a male Brit. These facts are part of the makeup of Britain, woven into our collective DNA. Andy Murray didn’t put that painful streak to rest; but he did finally win over the hearts of a nation.

Murray had failed to win a set in his three previous Grand Slam finals, twice in Australia, once at the US Open. He at least put paid to that embarrassing stat in the first set against Roger Federer.

But he failed to win another as he came up against the greatest ever tennis player playing his finest tennis at the age of 30. Federer regained his World number one ranking with the win.

Murray was magnificent at times in the match. When rain stopped play at a set apiece and a game apiece the match was anyone’s. But Federer is the best indoor player in the World, and when the roof went up he gained more and more control of the match. Not to say he didn’t deserve it. In this form he would have beaten anyone. In any conditions.

Murray has lost his first four Grand Slam finals. The only other man to do so was Ivan Lendl, now Murray’s coach, who went on to win eight Slam’s in his glittering career. Hold on to that fact Murray fans.

Andy Murray didn’t win Wimbledon. But in his post-match interview with Sue Barker he won something else; BBC Sports Personality of the year. It will be near impossible to pip him to that particular prize after his charming interview on Centre Court.

“I’m getting closer.” He announced before collapsing into tears. He had to compose himself before he could continue. And barely managed to in an emotional address to a crowd and a nation.

His mother Judy, girlfriend Kim Sears, and fans alike wept with him.

He had finally won over a nation reluctant to embrace him.

So much for the dour Scot.