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Murray crowned Wimbledon champion


 

Originally published on: 07/07/13 00:00

The world No.2 converted his fourth Championship point to secure a 6-4 7-5 6-4 victory and land his second Grand Slam title.

Murray, who was a beaten finalist last year but returned to the All England Club to win Olympic gold at London 2012, played some nerveless tennis to close out the top seed in three tight sets.

In a match-up between the best two players in the world, the match swung violently in each player's favour, but with 36 winners, Murray won the important points to close out victory in three hours and nine minutes.

"Last year was one of the toughest moments in my career," Murray said. "I don't know how I came through that last game. I've played Novak many times and I think he'll go down as one of the biggest fighters in history. He's come back from losing positions many times before and he nearly did it again today."

After seeing three break points pass him by in the opening game, Murray continued to press and finally made the breakthrough in the third game, converting his seventh break point with a backhand down the line. However, he failed to hold onto his advantage as the Serb broke straight back, but Murray’s persistence paid off, breaking for a 4-3 lead before surviving a marathon service game to maintain his advantage.

Djokovic held his subsequent service game, but Murray made no mistake with a love service game to wrap up the opening set.

With both players struggling in the searing heat on Centre Court, Djokovic looked to get back on level pegging as he broke in the fourth game of the second set before holding to lead 4-1, but Murray roared back, winning six of the next seven games to move one set away from the title.

While Murray was bidding to become the first British champion since 1936, Djokovic was now attempting to achieve something even more historic – the last time someone won the Wimbledon singles title from two sets down was Henri Cochet in 1927.

With Djokovic on the ropes, Murray hammered home his advantage early in the third set, a successful challenge allowing him to break Djokovic in the opening game, but a poor backhand handed Djokovic the break back three games later.

In a topsy-turvy final set, the momentum swung in Djokovic's favour as the 2011 champion forged ahead, but an inspired Murray roared back for the chance to serve for the title.

Djokovic saved three Championship points, but was left to rue his inability to convert one of three break points for the chance to get back into the match, and when he dumped a backhand into the net, Murray staggered around Centre Court in disbelief before climbing up to the players' box to celebrate with his team.

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Tim Farthing, Tennishead Editorial Director & Owner, has been a huge tennis fan his whole life. He's a tennis journalist and entrepreneur as well as playing tennis to a national standard. He also helps manage his local club and volunteers for his local tennis organisation. He's a specialist in content about the administration of professional tennis and tennis coaching for all levels.