ContinueRoger Federer claimed his 17th Grand Slam title with an epic victory over Andy Murray who is forced to wait for his first major title after losing in his fourth final and his first at Wimbledon.
Federer eventually sealed his victory under the roof and having to come from a set down to eventually seal his seventh Wimbledon title with a 4-6 7-5 6-3 6-3 win.
Murray was looking to become the first Briton since Fred Perry in 1936 to clinch the Wimbledon final. Even being the first Briton since Bunny Austin in 1938 to reach the men’s singles SW19 finals, there was hope this past Sunday afternoon for all of Britain.
With a poor track record of starting off on the wrong foot and never really having momentum - he had yet to win a set in three previous grand slam finals - Murray knew to start off with a bang.
A handful of powerful backhands, which critics had talked about pre-match, Murray quickly took a 2-0 lead in the first set.
With the help of a beautiful volley to end the 13-minute game eight and a sweeping forehand that nearly knocked Federer off his feet, Murray put himself into a position so he could safely serve out the end of the first set to clinch.
However, losing two separate breakpoints at 2-2 and 4-4, Murray let Federer grab a 6-5 lead in the second set. With the set in Federer’s grasp, a backhand drop volley capped it off even with him trailing 40-15 in the last game.
Rain started coming down with Federer leading 40-0 in game three of the third set. The roof closed and 35 minutes later play continued with Federer now seeming to have the advantage after taking Djokovic apart indoors on Friday.
But in game five, Murray grabbed a 40-0 lead and had a glimmer of hope until Federer pushed his limits by going to six break points. Federer finally came out on top, and it was home free from there, only losing five points on his serves in the third set.
The fourth set was not much different with Federer converting on a cross-court backhand shot for the 4-2 lead. Federer continued to breeze through the final and let his knees hit the grass court in triumph and joy after Murray shot wide on match
point.
Federer’s victory lets him see at eye level with Sampras’ records of seven Wimbledon titles and holding the number one position for 286 total weeks.
After the match, Federer was more than supportive of Murray, telling the press, “I really do believe deep down in me that he will win Grand Slams – plural, not just one. I do wish him all the best. This is genuine. He works extremely hard. He’s as professional as you can be.”
Murray has hope for himself as he said to the press, “This fortnight was a step in the right direction. I won't go back on the court until my mind is right and I am over the loss.”
