The setting was the same. Only the opponent was different. A
year back on the beautiful Centre Court at All England Club, when Andy Murray
was defeated by the great champ, Roger Federer, he was reduced to tears. By
lifting the cup in 2012, Roger not only won his 17th Grand Slam but broke the
hearts of British spectators who had come to see one of their own lift the cup
after years and years of wait. In 2012, Andy Murray had become the first
British man to reach the Wimbledon final since Henry Austin in 1938. And he was
hoping to become the first man to win the championship since Fred Perry in
1936.
On July 07, 2013 Murray created history by becoming the first British
man in 77 years to win the prestigious Wimbledon title - truly one
greatest moment in the history of British sports. Predictably the whole Centre Court was on their feet when the moment
finally arrived and needless to say, many of them had tears in their
eyes.
Since the beginning of the match the momentum was clearly in Andy`s
favour. He won the first set 6-4 and the second 7-5. In fact, many would
say that the second set was the turning point of the match as Novak
Djokovic let Murray come back into the set after leading the set 4-1. In
the third set, Novak was leading 4-2 and still Murray came back and won
the set. Though the championship point was unbearable to watch for many
– it went on for ages and Murray saw three match points slip by him at
40-0 - but in the end he held forth and the moment finally arrived when
the Serb netted a backhand to end the contest. Andy did admit later on –
"I can`t believe I managed to do it. The last game very challenging,
probably hardest points I`ve had to play in my life."
Murray has been a different player ever since he lost to Roger last year.He was looking physically and mentally prepared for the big match.
When asked after the match as to whether he had realized what he had
done Murray said – "I understand how much everyone wanted to see a
British winner at Wimbledon so I hope you enjoyed it. I tried my best."
On his part Novak too admitted that the pressure was intense on Andy and
accepted as much – "I know how much this means to the whole country."
Yes, everyone who loves the game of tennis around the world would be
feeling happy for Andy Murray and everyone who watched the 2013 finals,
whether on court or on television would cherish the moment for a long
time to come.
Murray has shown everyone that hope and faith are man`s greatest virtue.
The hope of the people of UK that one day someone from their own
backyard will win at the Centre Court and the faith that Murray had in
him to make it happen were realised on a sun-filled beautiful Sunday
afternoon at the All England Club.
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