The Helensburgh player became the first ever wheelchair tennis men’s singles champion at The Championships, defeating Sweden’s’ Stefan Olsson in straight sets 6-1, 6-4 to win his second Grand Slam singles title.
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But The Scotsman has mastered the art of post-match celebrations beautifully now, and he put his chops on display at SW19 after trumping Canada’s Milos Raonic 6-4, 7-6(3), 7-6(2) on Sunday for his third career major title and second at Wimbledon.
He returned to number two in the world rankings last October but lost a fifth Australian Open final to Djokovic and was beaten by the Serb again in early June, having reached the final at Roland Garros for the first time.
Murray’s consistency has undoubtedly been high, with five successive finals, including two in Grand Slams, while Djokovic has established his big lead at the top not only through four successive Grand Slam wins, but by winning a series of other tournaments.
This one was for Andy Murray.
When asked on what his mindset was heading into the final against, Andy Murray replied: “I wasn’t thinking to much about the previous matches that I played against him [Raonic], so this was more just an opportunity to try to win another Wimbledon title”.
“I’m just really proud that I managed to do it again after a lot of tough losses in the latter stages of the slams over the last couple of years”, said Murray, who became the first British man since Fred Perry in the 1930s to have his name engraved a few times on the gilded surface of the Challenge Cup.
“Hopefully he’s OK and gets back on the morphine”, Murray said. “I don’t believe it”. “I’ve played my best tennis under him”, Murray summarized.
With a second Wimbledon title secured and Olympic gold to defend in Brazil next month, no one could begrudge Andy Murray the chance to take a breather.
Murray has won all 12 of his matches since recently reuniting with coach Ivan Lendl, who was also in charge of the Scot’s backroom team when he last won Wimbledon.
“I don’t think he was nervous”, said the Italian. Obviously having a child, it gives you a different perspective. “I just spent time with my friends and my family and then we’ll go out for dinner tonight as well”. “He is one of the hardest workers out there, always trying to improve and get better”.
“I don’t see that being an issue this time”. But I still feel like my best tennis is ahead of me, that I have an opportunity to win more.
“I think it’s phenomenal for him to back up his win from three years ago”, said Raonic.
“I hope so because it’s good for everybody”. There’s nothing I want more than to be back here.
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“Really good stuff”, Murray said. “That’s what I would like when I finish”.
