Dominant Murray produces a masterclass at Wimbledon

ANDY MURRAY became a double Wimbledon champion with a dominant display on Centre Court against Canadian Milos Raonic.

Murray won 6-4 7-6 (7-3) 7-6 (7-2) in two hours and 48 minutes to regain the title which he first won in 2013.

Back then, Murray also won in straight sets against his arch rival and friend Novak Djokovic - but, though there was only one break of serve in the whole match yesterday, this was a lot more comfortable for the Dunblane man.

Raonic, to his credit, had played well over the two weeks at SW19, the highlight of his run being his defeat of the great Roger Federer in the semi finals on Friday in a titanic five-set battle.

The Podgorica-born 25-year-old could find barely any spare change out of Murray, however, and he gained only two breaks points in the whole match.

By contrast, Raonic seemed under regular pressure from a superb returning masterclass by a relentless Murray, only for his big serve to come to his aid.

Still, against Murray's returning ability, Raonic's main weapon was having nowhere near the effect that it had earlier in the tournament.

After all, heading into the contest, Raonic had served 137 aces. In his first ever Grand Slam final, however, he could add only eight more while Murray was able get a highly impressive 74% of his returns back in play.

That was enough to give Murray a vital edge in a match which presented few clear cut opportunities to either player.

Murray's first breakthrough came in the seventh game of the first set in which he earned two break points.

After frittering away the first chance by pushing a backhand too long, the Scot took the second cracking a forehand which his Candian opponent could only net.

Murray then consolidated his break by winning from deuce - and, though Raonic was gallant enough to make the world number two serve out the set, he did so with ease.

The second set oddly followed the same pattern of the first with Murray's big opportunity coming in the seventh game after he forced Raonic to deuce and gained a break point.

Raonic stood firm this time and then saved another couple of break points in the ninth game.

But he was still no closer to forcing a breakthrough on the Murray serve and, following a comfortable hold each, it was time for a tie-break.

Raonic had won four of the previous five tie-breakers between the pair - but Murray did not allow such history to trouble him as he moved into an early position of dominance to go 5-1 up at the change of ends.

That became 6-1 as Murray, on serve, forced Raonic to net a forehand. The Canadian held the next two points on his serve but, back on serve, Murray soon confirmed a two-set lead.

It now became a case of waiting to see whether Murray would steamroller Raonic or if there would be a comeback - and, to be fair, the first major action of the third set suggested the latter.

In the fifth game at 2-2, Raonic finally got some joy and held two break points - but Murray did not flinch.

Saving the first with his serve, the Scot then outlasted Raonic in an attritional rally to get the game to deuce. Murray then made it four points in a row to hold again.

Weaker players may have crumbled at that point but Raonic's serve was always going to keep him in the contest as long as physically possible. The problem was that he never got close on the Murray serve again.

Another tie-break was thus the inevitable conclusion to the third act - and, in a carbon copy of the second set, Murray found himself 5-1 up at the change of ends.

Again it became 6-1 to bring up five championship points - and, though Raonic saved the first of those against the serve, Murray made no mistake on the next point.

Cue the tears - of joy, of course - from Murray, and the 29-year-old made it clear he was going to enjoy this victory far more than his tension-riddled previous success on the hallowed turf at Wimbledon.

Instead, perhaps, the only tension surrounding Murray this year came about from his status as red-hot favourite once Djokovic had surprisingly lost to American Sam Querrey in the third round.

Nowadays, though, Murray is far too good a player to allow the occasion get to him.

Indeed, he seem to relish playing in his 11th Grand Slam final - but his first which was not against Federer or Djokovic. His dominance was rarely examined by the still-developing Raonic.

A second Wimbledon title, and a third Grand Slam in toughest ever tennis era, was never really in doubt.

Andy Murray: the route to glory Wimbledon 2016

Round 1	v Liam Broady (GBR)	6-2 6-3 6-4
Round 2	v Lu Yen-hsun (TPE)	6-3 6-2 6-1
Round 3	v John Millman (AUS)	6-3 7-5 6-2
Round 4	v Nick Kyrgios (AUS)	7-5 6-1 6-4
Quarter Final	v Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (FRA)	7-6(12-10) 6-1 3-6 4-6 6-1
Semi Final	v Tomáš Berdych (CZE)	6-3 6-3 6-3
Final	v Milos Raonic (CAN)	6-4 7-6(7-3) 7-6(7-2)

The pantheon of champions Wimbledon Men's Singles titles in the Open Era (since 1968)
7 Pete Sampras (USA) - 1993, 1994, 1995, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000
7 Roger Federer (SUI) - 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
5 Bjorn Borg (SWE) - 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1980
3 John McEnroe (USA) - 1981, 1983, 1984 
3 Boris Becker (GER) - 1985, 1986, 1989
3 Novak Djokovic (SRB) - 2011, 2014, 2015
2 *Rod Laver (AUS) - 1968, 1969
2 *John Newcombe (AUS) - 1970, 1971
2 Jimmy Connors (USA) - 1974, 1982
2 Stefan Edberg (SWE) - 1988, 1990
2 Rafael Nadal (ESP) - 2008, 2010
2 Andy Murray (GBR) - 2013, 2016
1 Stan Smith (USA) - 1972 
1 Jan Kodeš (CZE) - 1973
1 Arthur Ashe (USA) - 1975
1 Pat Cash (AUS) - 1987
1 Michael Stich (GER) - 1991
1 Andre Agassi (USA) - 1992
1 Richard Krajicek (NED) - 1996
1 Goran Ivanišević (CRO) - 2001
1 Lleyton Hewitt (AUS) - 2002
*Note: Rod Laver (1961, 1962) and John Newcombe (1967) also won titles in the Amateur Era, pre-1967

Murray makes history at Wimbledon

ANDY MURRAY became the first Briton to win the Men's Singles at Wimbledon since Fred Perry in 1936 after a stunning straight sets victory over world number one Novak Djokovic.

Murray won 6-4 7-5 6-4 in just over three hours on Centre Court to end the 77 years of hurt since Perry was last victorious at SW19 - and the Scot also lifted a considerable weight off his shoulders.

For, there can be no question about it - Murray was well aware of the historical significance of his triumph. Indeed, he has had little chance of avoiding it since his early potential marked him out to be the likely answer to end the curse.

At 5.24pm yesterday, that curse was finally lifted as Djokovic netted for one last time.

In time-honoured fashion, Murray sunk to his knees in front of the net - but, in contrast to many players who have fallen to the hallowed turf of the All England Club in the past, Murray stayed there for quite a while, still struggling to comprehend exactly what he had just achieved.

Straight sets against the world number one? This really was the stuff that dreams are made of.

But, while it was all rather surreal of course, it was also very real - although nowhere near as straightforward as the scoreline suggested...

In a sign of things to come, the opening rally lasted 20 strokes and the first game took fully five minutes to complete as Djokovic saved three break points to hold.

Not for long, though. In his next service, the Serb again came under pressure, saving yet another break point in a 22-shot rally before Murray eventually prevailed with a thumping forehand.

The Scot's advantage lasted but for one game - but then Murray broke to love in game seven to go 4-3 ahead.

Another short-lived lead looked likely as he then double-faulted to give Djokovic two more break-back points - but the man from Dunblane saved the first with an ace and the second with a rare foray to the net.

In game nine, Djokovic again struggled to a hold - at one stage being 0-30 - before Murray made it count on his serve, winning game 10 to love for the first set.

It was a fine start, for sure, but nothing was won yet as Murray was well aware having taken the first set last year in his four-set defeat to seven-time champion Roger Federer.

Clearly, the identity of the second set winner would tell us a lot more about the momentum of the match as a whole and remarkably, in fact, 38 of the last 41 winners of the Men's Singles at Wimbledon had won the second.

On that basis, things looked good for Djokovic as he stormed into a 4-1 lead.

But that was only actually a single break and Murray got it back on serve in game seven after an uncustomary double fault on break point by Djokovic.

Forced to save three break points in game eight, Murray made his next move with the score at 5-5. Out of challenges, a frustrated Djokovic complained to the umpire after a Murray shot was not called out.

Hawk-Eye replays showed it was in anyway - and Murray was able to convert the second of his two break point chances before he served out for the set to love again, even finishing with an ace.

Two-love in sets and the 15,000 capacity crowd on Centre Court let out a roar as the realisation dawned of just how close glory was.

But Murray had also been 2-0 up against Djokovic in New York last September - and, though he would ultimately win his first Grand Slam, the Serb pushed him all the way to five sets.

A repeat did not look likely as Murray made an early break in the third and followed it up with a service game to love.

Djokovic is nothing if not a true champion, however, and he restored parity in the set by winning game four - and then broke again in game six in a loose spell by Murray.

Straight away, though, the Scot reacted, and broke back in game seven to put the set back on serve with a backhand winner.

Never more vulnerable, Djokovic served in game nine, knowing another break would leave Murray serving for the match - but the Serb was unable to do anything as Murray won an extraordinary point after chasing down a lob.

And so to game 10 and Murray's moment of destiny. It began well enough - two long shots from Djokovic sandwiching a forehand winner from Murray made it 40-0. Three Championship points were on the board.

But, no one should ever thought it would be as easy as that to lift the curse at Wimbledon - and so it proved as Djokovic hauled it back to deuce and Murray's serve began to tighten up.

Yet another three break points had to be saved by Murray, the second one after a 23-stroke rally, before he would get his next chance after Djokovic could only net. It was a fourth Championship point.

This time - this time - it finally happened. Djokovic went long with his backhand and Centre Court at Wimbledon erupted into tears of joy and disbelief. Murray had done it. He is the Wimbledon champion. 

Later, Murray dedicated his victory to his coach Ivan Lendl, and the strides, which Murray have made since their partnership began in January 2012, are as clear as day.

That's two Grand Slams and Olympic Gold since this time last year, which begs the question 'how many more?' - and 'how many more of those will be at Wimbledon?'

Those questions and many other Murray-related discussions filled the airwaves today as Britain basked in its long-awaited tennis glory.

Perhaps, though, it would be best just to let the lad enjoy this moment. God knows, he deserves it.


Route to glory Wimbledon 2013

Round 1	v Benjamin Becker (GER)	6-4 6-3 6-2
Round 2	v Lu Yen-hsun (TPE)	6-3 6-3 7-5
Round 3	v Tommy Robredo (ESP)	6-2 6-4 7-5
Round 4	v Mikhail Youzhny (RUS)	6-4 7-6(7-5) 6-1
Quarter Final	v Fernando Verdasco (ESP)	4-6 3-6 6-1 6-4 7-5
Semi Final	v Jerzy Janowicz (POL)	6-7(2-7) 6-4 6-4 6-3
Final	v Novak Djokovic (SRB)	6-4 7-5 6-4

No longer a loser Murray's major finals

2008	US Open	v Roger FEDERER (SUI)	2-6 5-7 2-6
2010	Australian Open	v Roger FEDERER (SUI)	3-6 4-6 6-7(11-13)
2011	Australian Open	v Novak DJOKOVIC (SRB)	4-6 2-6 3-6
2012	Wimbledon	v Roger FEDERER (SUI)	6-4 5-7 3-6 4-6
2012	London 2012 Olympics	v Roger FEDERER (SUI)	6-2 6-1 6-4
2012	US Open	v Novak DJOKOVIC (SRB)	7-6(12-10) 7-5 2-6 3-6 6-2
2012	Australian Open	v Novak DJOKOVIC (SRB)	7-6(7-2) 6-7(3-7) 3-6 2-6
2012	Wimbledon	v Novak DJOKOVIC (SRB)	6-4 7-5 6-4

Joining the pantheon of champions The Open Era (since 1968)
7 Pete Sampras (USA) - 1993, 1994, 1995, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000
7 Roger Federer (SUI) - 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
5 Bjorn Borg (SWE) - 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1980
3 Boris Becker (GER) - 1985, 1986, 1989
3 John McEnroe (USA) - 1981, 1983, 1984
2 *Rod Laver (AUS) - 1968, 1969
2 *John Newcombe (AUS) - 1970, 1971
2 Jimmy Connors (USA) - 1974, 1982
2 Stefan Edberg (SWE) - 1988, 1990
2 Rafael Nadal (ESP) - 2008, 2010
1 Stan Smith (USA) - 1972
1 Jan Kodeš (CZE) - 1973
1 Arthur Ashe (USA) - 1975
1 Pat Cash (AUS) - 1987
1 Michael Stich (GER) - 1991
1 Andre Agassi (USA) - 1992
1 Richard Krajicek (NED) - 1996
1 Goran Ivanišević (CRO) - 2000
1 Lleyton Hewitt (AUS) - 2001
1 Novak Djokovic (SRB) - 2011
1 Andy Murray (GBR) - 2013
*Note: Rod Laver (1961, 1962) and John Newcombe (1967) also won titles in the Amateur Era, pre-1967

Murray finally fulfils his destiny

ANDY MURRAY is a Grand Slam champion, and he is the first British man who can say that in 76 years.

Murray finally won his maiden major title at the fifth attempt, beating Novak Djokovic in a five-set thriller over four hours and 54 minutes in the US Open Final.

A truly epic match finished 7-6(12-10) 7-5 2-6 3-6 6-2 to Murray, breaking a spell which had hung over British tennis ever since Fred Perry had prevailed at Flushing Meadows in 1936.

This era of Djokovic, as well as Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal of course, has produced so many close encounters that an epic final has somehow become quite commonplace.

The Wimbledon finals in 2007 and 2008 between Federer and Nadal both went to five sets, while Federer won 16-14 against Andy Roddick in a decider there in 2009.

But, while the quality of the early parts of this match suffered at times in the blustery conditions, it can certainly be ranked as epic as well.

The countless twists and turns, amazing amount of long points, and serious raw emotion have ensured it gets that status. This was a gladiatorial contest. 

It was, in fact, a cagey start though, and Murray and his Serbian opponent traded two early breaks apiece. From 4-4 onwards, it became inevitable that the first set would head into a tie-break.

Here, the fun really started as Murray was forced to win the opening set over and over again, only succeeding at the sixth chance.

But, while that first set was a tit-for-tat battle, the second looked easy for Murray as he stormed into a 4-0 lead.

Djokovic is a true champion, though, and he immediately got one of the two breaks back to reduce his arrears to 4-1. The Serbian was not finished there and, after a hold each, Djokovic pushed for a second time and got back level at 5-5.

However, just as a second tie-break loomed, the defending champion undid all his good work, losing his serve in the 12th game to go down 7-5.

In fairness to Djokovic, it was probably Murray's true grit which saw him through, as he came out on top in a 30-shot rally in that game. But, despite this, Djokovic's improved form towards the end of the second set had signalled a major momentum shift in the match.

The Serb broke Murray early in the third to lead 3-1, and then 4-2  - before a second break proved terminal for the man from Dunblane.

Into the fourth set, and the Djokovic momentum continued. The Serb again broke Murray early on for a 2-0 lead and there were particularly worrying signs for the Scot as he openly complained his legs had gone to jelly.

It should be no surprise, then, that Djokovic also had a break point in Murray's next service game. On that occasion, there was no break of serve but it was quite clear who was in control at the Arthur Ashe stadium.

Indeed, after trading holds, Djokovic restored parity by making it two unanswered breaks for a second successive set. He also gained the nominal advantage of serving first in the decider, having broken in the final game of the fourth.

But, for the first time since the first set tie-break, Djokovic now had something to lose. That pressure showed immediately as it was Murray who gained the early break of serve this time, forcing Djokovic into the net at 40-30.

At 30-30 in the second game, it looked perhaps as if the topsy-turvy nature of the first set was going to be reprised. However, a visibly-shattered Murray was somehow playing his best tennis of the night at this stage, and a gutsy hold was followed by a second break.

The delirium in Dunblane would have been short-lived, though, as Djokovic again immediately responded to get himself back in the set with a break of his own. That made it 3-1 before the Serb held for a 3-2 deficit.

For once, there was no predictable wobble. Murray had obviously decided that he had made this final interesting enough and sailed through a love service game for a 4-2 lead.

And then, in the seventh game of the set, came Murray's moment with destiny. The Scot restored his two-break cushion after Djokovic could only lamely find the net once more. Even he could tell his Flushing Meadows reign was over.

All that was left was for Murray to serve out for the match and a Grand Slam championship.

This, he did, and in some style too - storming to 40-0 to bring up three championship points. The dream finish was delayed by a few seconds as Djokovic took the next point at the net but the Serb went forlornly long with a forehand on the next point.

Murray had won - and, in winning, brought to an end a torturous journey towards his first Grand Slam title.

It had indeed been a rocky path to the holy grail, punctuated by a final defeat at Flushing Meadows in 2008, successive Australian Open final losses in 2010 and 2011, and finally tears at Wimbledon this summer.

Only Murray's coach Ivan Lendl knew what it was like to lose the first four major finals in a career. But Lendl also won at the fifth attempt, and went onto win eight Grand Slams altogether.

This unbelievable era of tennis may prevent Murray from matching that total. However, having overcome the obstacle of getting over the finish line, it now seems inconceivable that the Scot will not add more major titles to his CV.

Indeed, during this unprecedented great British summer of sport, Murray has had his own personal season in the sun.

For, even in the devastation of the defeat at Wimbledon, there had been some progress. At the fourth attempt, Murray had won a set in a Grand Slam final, and he even had chances to go 2-0 up.

Four weeks later, Murray was back on the same court against the same opponent, Federer, playing for Olympic gold.

Federer had made no secret of his desire to succeed at the Olympics, having never done so, but these were the Olympics of Team GB, and of Murray.

The Scot blew away the 17-time Grand Slam winner 6-2 6-1 6-4 in just under two hours with a breathtaking performance.

That could have proved satisfactory for now but Murray is a great champion and was not about to rest on his laurels in New York.

Nadal had withdrawn before the tournament with more knee trouble and, when Federer was beaten by Czech Tomáš Berdych, the draw had opened up.

Murray, too, has had problems against Berdych in the past - but, after a slow start, victory in four sets set up another date with destiny.

"I will give it everything," vowed Murray before this latest final. Well, he did, and it worked, and there can be no one more deserving of Grand Slam title than him.

Congratulations, Andy Murray. A Grand Slam champion, at last.