Britain's Andy Murray celebrates winning the mens singles final against Canada's Milos Raonic . File photo
Image by: STEFAN WERMUTH / REUTERS
Image by: STEFAN WERMUTH / REUTERS
"It's the most important tournament for me every year. I've had some great moments and tough losses. I played some really good stuff today," said Andy Murray yesterday, after clinching a second Wimbledon title and third Grand Slam crown.
The 29-year-old vanquished a misfiring Milos Raonic of Canada 6-4, 7-6 (7/3), 7-6 (7/2).
The world No2 added the 2016 trophy to his 2013 triumph at the All England Club and his 2012 US Open breakthrough title.
Appearing in his 11th final at the Grand Slams, but his first against an opponent other than Novak Djokovic or Roger Federer, the Scot produced a Centre Court masterclass, then buried his head in a towel and wept in the moments after victory.
"The wins feel extra special because of the tough defeats. I'm proud to have my hands on the trophy again."
He faced just two break points in the two-hour, 48-minute encounter and the 25-year-old Raonic, who had clobbered 137 aces going into the final, served just eight in the final.
"It's a difficult challenge. Andy has been playing great and he deserved to win; congratulations to him," Raonic said.
"This one is going to sting. I'm going to make sure I do everything I can to be back here for another chance."
Victory for Murray helped make up for the disappointment of losing the Australian and French Open finals to Djokovic this year.
It also illustrated his master-stroke in tempting Ivan Lendl back into his coaching corner.
Raonic was attempting to become the first Canadian to win a Slam title but he was thwarted by Murray's tough-as-teak defence and inspired return game.
In the final analysis, his 29 unforced errors, compared to Murray's 12, proved decisive in a match in which serve was broken just once.
Victory preserved the iron-grip on the Grand Slams of the sport's 'Big Four'. Lleyton Hewitt was the last man outside of Murray, Djokovic, Federer and Rafael Nadal to win Wimbledon - way back in 2002.
As befitting such an occasion, the Centre Court Royal Box was packed with celebrity star power.
Prince William and wife Kate were joined by former champions Bjorn Borg, Boris Becker and Stefan Edberg as well as Hollywood actors Bradley Cooper, Benedict Cumberbatch and Hugh Grant.
Murray had won all four of the pair's meetings in 2016, including the Australian Open semifinals and the Queen's Club final.
0 Comments