Wimbledon - Cameron backs knighthood for victorious Murray

Murray defeated Serbia’s Novak Djokovic 6-4 7-5 6-4 on Sunday to delight a country that has waited so long for a successor to Fred Perry.

The world number two, who also holds the US Open and Olympic titles, has quickly been installed as the 1/20 favourite to win the Sports Personality of the Year award but there is also speculation he could earn recognition in the New Year honours list.

While Cameron has no influence over what is an independent process, the Conservative Prime Minster believes Murray is deserving of being knighted, saying on Monday: "Frankly, I can't think of anyone who deserves one more.”

Cameron, who watched Murray’s victory from the royal box at Wimbledon, added that the moment of sporting glory "lifted the spirits of the whole country".

He added: "It was a fantastic day for Andy Murray, for British tennis and for Britain … We were wondering yesterday morning, 'Do we dare to dream that this is possible?' and he proved absolutely that it was."

View the original article here

Wimbledon - Champion Murray in a blur after historic triumph

The British number one produced a stubborn display that underlined his mental toughness and increasing self-belief to beat world number one Novak Djokovic 6-4 7-6 6-4.

He came out to serve for the title as a far from reserved roar, an unleashing of national frustration after so many years, reverberated around the hallowed Centre Court.

Murray quickly established three Championship points and then squandered them all.

He then saved three break points before producing a brilliant winner to set up another chance, which he finally took to end Britain's 77-year wait for a men's singles winner.

The British number one now holds the Olympic, US Open and Wimbledon titles - and, at just 26, is still at the peak of his powers meaning there is surely more to come.

"Winning Wimbledon is the pinnacle of tennis. Those last few points were the hardest of my life and I worked so hard in that last game," said Murray.

"I just can't get my head around it, I can't quite believe it.

"It's all a bit of a blur, from 4-2 down in the third set to holding the trophy, I don't know what to say.

"Mentally, that last game was the toughest game I will play in my entire career. I can't really believe that it's happened. This one will take a while to sink in."

Murray paid special tribute to coach Ivan Lendl, himself a two-time beaten finalist at Wimbledon, who has perhaps added a decisive missing ingredient to the world number two's entourage since his appointment early last year.

"He told me he was proud of me, which coming from him means a lot," added Murray.

"He doesn't smile too much in public but away from the cameras and crowds he is a very different character.

"He'd have loved to win here but this was the next best thing for him, he's stuck by me through some tough losses, he's been very patient and I'm happy I managed to do it for him.

"Ivan has made me learn more from my losses. He is extremely honest with me, if I work hard then he is happy. If I don't, he's disappointed and will tell me.

"He's got my mentality slightly different heading into these big matches."

Murray also paid tribute to the crowd - normally the most reserved on the Grand Slam circuit - who waved their flags and raised the roof with the sort of chanting you normally only find at the Davis Cup.

"It was a different atmosphere to the past, it was incredibly loud," he said.

"It does make a difference and it really helps when the crowd is like that. It's especially good in a tough matches, when it's extremely hot and there are long, brutal rallies. It helps get you through."

Murray admits to feeling strange that his entire career has been contrasted with a player, Fred Perry, who died when he was just seven years old.

And he hopes that he won't be held up as a similar example for those that will surely be inspired by his Wimbledon victory.

"It's an incredibly difficult tournament to win, so it's possible it could take a long time but I would hope not that long," said Murray.

"I think with the amount of money that is invested in the sport in this country, then it shouldn't take 70 odd years."

View the original article here

Wimbledon - Djokovic predicts more to come from Murray

View the original article here

Wimbledon - Judy Murray fears for British tennis despite Andy's triumph

Andy ended a 77-year wait for a British men’s champion at SW19 on Sunday against Novak Djokovic and celebrated with a kiss for his mum.

However Judy, who is coach of the British Fed Cup team, told the BBC’s Newsnight programme that she fears the wave of optimism will break under a lack of facilities at grassroots level.

"The country will go tennis crazy. Kids and adults will want to try tennis and not all of them will get the opportunity," she said.

"The key is to make sure there are as many public courts in as many communities we can put them in if we're going to tap into this great imagination…

"I'd like it to become way more inclusive. I think it still is [too elitist]. Some moves have been made to make things better but there's still such a long way to go and there are huge swathes of the country where you can't find tennis courts.

"You need to build courts in areas where they currently don't exist for it to become a much more inclusive sport…

"We need to get into rural areas and disadvantaged areas and get tennis to people that haven't had the opportunity to play.”

However Tom Gibbins, head of education at the Lawn Tennis Association, refuted the notion that tennis is inaccessible.

"We're trying to dispel lots of myths about tennis and one is that it has to be an expensive sport to play. The average weekly membership of a tennis club is less than £1.50 a week for a junior to play,” he told BBC London.

"Andy gave British tennis its greatest moment ever and it's our job to capitalise on that interest and inspire more kids and adults to play tennis.

"There are 20,000 tennis courts up and down the country, 1,500 of which are free. Tennis isn't an expensive sport especially at beginner and recreational level."

View the original article here

Wimbledon - Murray tames Djokovic to end 77 years of British hurt

Scotland’s world number two unsettled Serbia’s 2011 champion Djokovic from an epic opening game, coming back from breaks down in the second and third sets, before fending off a brave fightback while serving for the match as he claimed his finest career victory.

Murray won last year’s US Open to end what was then a 76-year wait for a British male Grand Slam champion; he is now the first Briton of either gender to win Wimbledon since Virginia Wade in 1977, and the first male since Fred Perry in 1936.

"It feels slightly different to last year," Murray said in reference to his tearful defeat in the 2012 final. "I don't know how I managed to get through that last game - losing three match points was unbelievable. It was hard to watch but imagine playing it!

"Novak has come back so many times from similar positions and he almost did it again."

The beaten world number one was typically sportsmanlike at the trophy presentation.

"Congratulations to Andy, who absolutely deserved this win - you played incredible tennis," Djokovic said. "I know how much it means to all of you guys, the whole country, well done.

"I'm aware of the pressure he gets, although I cannot imagine the extent not being in his shoes.

"It was an absolute pleasure and an honour to be part of this final."

Murray was exceptional at times but, by contrast, Djokovic had one of his worst games on Centre Court.

On the hottest day of the year in Britain, with the mercury soaring toward 30 degrees Celsius, the world's two best players produced some scorching sinew-stretching action from the start and the first three games alone lasted 20 minutes.

The opening salvo of the Centre Court clash lasted 20 strokes as Murray went up 0-40 on the Serb's serve but Djokovic produced staunch defence to stave off his opponent's attack.

The duo did trade breaks in the third and fourth games, with each Murray winner being greeted by a chorus of 15,000 roars.

Second seed Murray got another chance to break to love in the seventh game and this time he pounced as the 2011 champion surrendered his serve by slapping a backhand into the net.

A set that initially looked like lasting forever ended exactly on the hour mark as Djokovic whipped a service return wide to give Murray, runner-up to Roger Federer last year, the one-set cushion.

The battle between the two players who were born seven days apart in 1987 intensified in the second set as they went toe-to-toe from the baseline with 25-shot rallies being par for the course.

Djokovic, who survived a four hour 43 minute semi-final epic against Juan Martin Del Potro two days ago, showed his super-human ability to recover quickly as he ran down everything Murray could throw at him.

The Serb rattled Murray by going for the lines and broke for a 3-1 lead when Olympic champion Murray flicked a forehand into the net.

Even when Djokovic slipped and skidded flat on to his stomach while trying to chase down a Murray winner, the six-times Grand Slam champion appeared unfazed as he quickly got back on to his feet to extend his lead to 4-1.

But Murray, who trains in the intense Miami heat, showed off his iron-man conditioning as he stormed back to level at 4-4, a Djokovic double fault on break point down handing him the break back in the seventh game.

While the cheering crowd, which included British Prime Minister David Cameron, got behind a pumped up Murray, Djokovic simply exploded in anger in the 11th game.

Convinced that Murray had gone long mid-rally at 15-15, he screamed at umpire Mohamed Lahyani "Why? What's going on?" as he gesticulated wildly to show what he thought the linesman had failed to see.

Murray ignored the uproar to break the fuming Serb and soon had the fans roaring when he wrapped up the 69-minute second set with a 125mph thunderbolt ace.

The third set initially seemed a formality for Murray, who broke Djokovic early and almost sealed a double-break.

But two sloppy drop shots allowed the Serb to break back, with a rejuvenated Djokovic holding before winning the subsequent Murray service game as the Briton seemed to lose momentum.

Murray, however, has incredible mental and physical reserves and cancelled out that break with some intense hustling at the net, bringing it back with serve, which he held with a wonderful diving forehand off the baseline.

That was followed by a magnificent break for Murray, which boasted two astounding last-gasp winners, leaving him serving for the title.

Initially Djokovic saved three championship points as a nervy Murray’s serve deserted him, and the Serb even had three break-back points thanks to an unforced error to net from the Briton, a wonderful drop-shot off the net-cord and then a beautiful diving winner across the net.

But Murray saved them all, bringing up his fourth match point with some incredible fight at the baseline, his forehand pass forcing Djokovic to net a volley.

And, after his next serve was returned just inside the baseline, Murray was a spectator as Djokovic netted the follow up, sending Centre Court and an entire nation into raptures.

View the original article here

Wimbledon - Murray goes two sets up against Djokovic in final

Follow the match HERE!

Murray, who took the first set 6-4, came from a break down to clinch the second, breaking Djokovic's serve again at 5-5 before holding to love.

The world number two would be the first British male to win the Wimbledon title in 77 years.

Murray won his first Grand Slam title at the US Open last year.

View the original article here

Wimbledon - Murray tames Djokovic to end 77 years of British hurt

Scotland’s world number two unsettled Serbia’s 2011 champion Djokovic from an epic opening game, coming back from breaks down in the second and third sets, before fending off a brave fightback while serving for the match as he claimed his finest career victory.

Murray won last year’s US Open to end what was then a 76-year wait for a British male Grand Slam champion; he is now the first Briton of either gender to win Wimbledon since Virginia Wade in 1977, and the first male since Fred Perry in 1936.

"It feels slightly different to last year," Murray said in reference to his tearful defeat in the 2012 final. "I don't know how I managed to get through that last game - losing three match points was unbelievable. It was hard to watch but imagine playing it!

"Novak has come back so many times from similar positions and he almost did it again."

The beaten world number one was typically sportsmanlike at the trophy presentation.

"Congratulations to Andy, who absolutely deserved this win - you played incredible tennis," Djokovic said. "I know how much it means to all of you guys, the whole country, well done.

"I'm aware of the pressure he gets, although I cannot imagine the extent not being in his shoes.

"It was an absolute pleasure and an honour to be part of this final."

Murray was exceptional at times but, by contrast, Djokovic had one of his worst games on Centre Court.

On the hottest day of the year in Britain, with the mercury soaring toward 30 degrees Celsius, the world's two best players produced some scorching sinew-stretching action from the start and the first three games alone lasted 20 minutes.

The opening salvo of the Centre Court clash lasted 20 strokes as Murray went up 0-40 on the Serb's serve but Djokovic produced staunch defence to stave off his opponent's attack.

The duo did trade breaks in the third and fourth games, with each Murray winner being greeted by a chorus of 15,000 roars.

Second seed Murray got another chance to break to love in the seventh game and this time he pounced as the 2011 champion surrendered his serve by slapping a backhand into the net.

A set that initially looked like lasting forever ended exactly on the hour mark as Djokovic whipped a service return wide to give Murray, runner-up to Roger Federer last year, the one-set cushion.

The battle between the two players who were born seven days apart in 1987 intensified in the second set as they went toe-to-toe from the baseline with 25-shot rallies being par for the course.

Djokovic, who survived a four hour 43 minute semi-final epic against Juan Martin Del Potro two days ago, showed his super-human ability to recover quickly as he ran down everything Murray could throw at him.

The Serb rattled Murray by going for the lines and broke for a 3-1 lead when Olympic champion Murray flicked a forehand into the net.

Even when Djokovic slipped and skidded flat on to his stomach while trying to chase down a Murray winner, the six-times Grand Slam champion appeared unfazed as he quickly got back on to his feet to extend his lead to 4-1.

But Murray, who trains in the intense Miami heat, showed off his iron-man conditioning as he stormed back to level at 4-4, a Djokovic double fault on break point down handing him the break back in the seventh game.

While the cheering crowd, which included British Prime Minister David Cameron, got behind a pumped up Murray, Djokovic simply exploded in anger in the 11th game.

Convinced that Murray had gone long mid-rally at 15-15, he screamed at umpire Mohamed Lahyani "Why? What's going on?" as he gesticulated wildly to show what he thought the linesman had failed to see.

Murray ignored the uproar to break the fuming Serb and soon had the fans roaring when he wrapped up the 69-minute second set with a 125mph thunderbolt ace.

The third set initially seemed a formality for Murray, who broke Djokovic early and almost sealed a double-break.

But two sloppy drop shots allowed the Serb to break back, with a rejuvenated Djokovic holding before winning the subsequent Murray service game as the Briton seemed to lose momentum.

Murray, however, has incredible mental and physical reserves and cancelled out that break with some intense hustling at the net, bringing it back with serve, which he held with a wonderful diving forehand off the baseline.

That was followed by a magnificent break for Murray, which boasted two astounding last-gasp winners, leaving him serving for the title.

Initially Djokovic saved three championship points as a nervy Murray’s serve deserted him, and the Serb even had three break-back points thanks to an unforced error to net from the Briton, a wonderful drop-shot off the net-cord and then a beautiful diving winner across the net.

But Murray saved them all, bringing up his fourth match point with some incredible fight at the baseline, his forehand pass forcing Djokovic to net a volley.

And, after his next serve was returned just inside the baseline, Murray was a spectator as Djokovic netted the follow up, sending Centre Court and an entire nation into raptures.

View the original article here

Wimbledon - Murray wins Wimbledon: 11 key moments

MURRAY 0-1 DJOKOVIC: The Scot wins the first three points of the match, but Djokovic slams the door in his face winning the next five to hold serve.

MURRAY 2-2 DJOKOVIC: Murray finally converts his eighth break point of the match to take a 2-1 lead, but the Serbian immediately hits back to level the set.

MURRAY 4-3 DJOKOVIC: Undaunted, Murray races to 0-40 on the Djokovic serve and the number one seed nets a backhand to the delight of the home crowd - it proves crucial as Murray goes on to win the first set 6-4.

MURRAY 6-4 1-3 DJOKOVIC: The expected Djokovic response arrives, as he sets up two break points after a 30-shot rally before converting to take the edge in the second set.

MURRAY 6-4 3-4 DJOKOVIC: An uncharacteristically sloppy game from the Serb, who gives away his serve with a double fault and the momentum shifts back to Briton's way.

MURRAY 6-4 6-5 DJOKOVIC: Controversy as Djokovic tries to challenge a call, only to be told he has none remaining - the replay shows Murray's shot was in anyway, but an unsettled Serb gifts his serve away again, allowing Murray to claim the second set 7-5.

MURRAY 6-4 7-5 1-0 DJOKOVIC: The finish line is in sight as Murray, on a run of eight games out of nine, breaks yet again - he clinches the game via a successful challenge when Djokovic slices a backhand long.

MURRAY 6-4 7-5 2-4 DJOKOVIC: But hold on a minute! Murray's level drops at the same time as his opponent steps it up, and consecutive breaks of serve appear to put Djokovic in total command of the third.

MURRAY 6-4 7-5 3-4 DJOKOVIC: Another twist, as Murray finds inspiration and turns the tide, and a delirious centre court crowd roar him on to another break and parity in the third set.

MURRAY 6-4 7-5 5-4 DJOKOVIC: Surely not? Andy Murray will serve for the Wimbledon title after a game of thrilling brilliance, including an astonishing forehand pass on the run.

MURRAY 6-4 7-5 6-4 DJOKOVIC: Murray races into a 40-0 lead before passing up three championship points, then saving tewo break back points amid heart-stopping drama. Djokovic eventually nets and Murray sinks to his knees.

View the original article here