Murray makes history in epic three-set Wimbledon win over Djokovic ending 77-year British title draught

8^th July 2013

Thomas Bradley

Thomas Bradley

8 July 2013

Andy Murray claimed his first ever Wimbledon title after beating World number one Novak Djokovic in straight sets. It was the first time in 77 years that a British player was crowned the champion at SW19.

It took the Scot four attempts to claim Championship point in a victory that ended 6-4 7-5 6-4 in Murray’s favour. Claiming his second Grand Slam victory by beating the world’s best player based on ranking is a feat of epic proportions.

The one-sided scoreline may suggest that Murray cruised his way to success. But it was anything but a smooth ride, in what was a contest of sheer brilliance. 15,000 spectators watched on as both players served up rallies of such skill and intensity they were utterly worthy of this major sporting event.

The first set was an evenly matched affair – until Murray broke free from Djokovic’s hard-hitting to go 4-3 ahead – and 13 unforced errors from the Serb gave the man from Dunblane the edge, taking the first set 6-4.

With the crowd understandably enthralled at the contest before them, Murray and Djokovic came out for the second set looking to show their worth.  The world number one surged into a commanding 4-1 lead, with Murray now looking less sharp and agile as he came to grips with the dusty and dry surface.

Undeterred by the clear daylight between him and Djokovic in set two, Murray clawed his way back in to the game and levelled the set at 5-5 in true British fashion. With no hawk-eye challenges remaining and seemingly restless at the indecision of umpire Mohamed Lahyani, the sensational Serb was beginning to look ordinary as Murray took set two.

2-0 down and the crowd urging on their favourite Andy Murray, the third set was an incredibly tense affair. Rally after rally drew premature groans from the  Centre Court faithful who were growing ever aware of possibly witnessing history in the making for British sport.

Much like the previous set, Djokovic ran in to a 4-2 lead with Murray again looking tired and short of composure. From nowhere, the British number one found a new lease of life, and some sensational tennis unfolded as the Scot fought back to lead 5-4 – serving for the match.

Murray surged into a 40 – love lead in the decisive game – but threw away three championship points – as Djokovic hung on in at deuce. Tension, expectation and excitement filled the stadium as both players drew scintillating shots that had the crowd encouraging Murray to make his chance count.

Novak Djokovic hit the net and the crowd rose in a state of delirium as Andy Murray was officially crowned Wimbledon 2013 champion. The Scot held his head in his hands as he came to terms with what he had just achieved.

The man who has often been labelled as having a rather difficult personality is almost sure to be crowned “Sports Personality of the Year 2013”. The final win goes down as one of the greatest British sporting achievements in history.

                                                                                             Thomas Bradley, sports correspondent

Final result

A Murray d N Djokovic 6-4 7-5 6-4