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Stunning Murray wins Olympic gold


 

Originally published on: 05/08/12 00:00

Andy Murray took the feel-good factor around British sport to stratospheric new heights on Sunday after completing arguably the toughest challenge in tennis – beating Roger Federer in a best-of-five-sets match on Centre Court at Wimbledon.

A day after Mo Farah, Jessica Ennis and Greg Rutherford gave British Athletics its finest hour, Murray kept the momentum going and delivered another historic high for the host nation, utterly trouncing the Swiss 6-2 6-1 6-4 to win Olympic gold.

"It's the biggest win of my life," Murray told the BBC after winning the first British singles gold since Josiah Ritchie in 1908. "This week’s been incredible so far. I’ve got one more match to go but it's been unbelieveable.

"I watched the athletics last night and the way Mo Farah won gave me a boost coming into today. I didn't expect that [being crowned Olympic champion] at the start of the week. I thought I'd go deep into the tournament but I felt so fresh today. It's amazing."

"I've had a lot of tough losses in my career but this was the best way to come back from the [Wimbledon] final. I will never forget it."

Federer, meanwhile, admitted his muted showing may have been a result of being emotionally drained after his epic semi-final victory over Juan Martin del Potro, which he won 19-17 in the deciding set, but credited Murray for his fine performance.

"He was better, much better than I was today but I'm happy with silver," said the Swiss after claiming his first Olympic singles medal. "I had a very emotional tournament. Maybe I was emotionally drained but, nevertheless, I didn't think I played too badly, but things didn't go my way. It's unfortunate, but still a great day for me. Andy looked like he was never doubting himself and he was able to come through this time around. He's had a wonderful career already and I'm happy for him."

 

 

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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.