Murray on brink of Wimbledon history
Andy Murray is standing on the brink of history as he bids today to become the first British man to lift the Wimbledon singles trophy in 76 years.
The 25-year-old Scot takes on six-time champion Roger Federer on Centre Court today.
Murray is the first Briton to reach the men’s singles final in 74 years, and is hoping to become the first British male to take the title since Fred Perry in 1936.
He will be hoping to echo the performance of compatriot Jonny Marray, who last night became the first British man to win the Wimbledon men’s doubles tournament in the same amount of time – 76 years – after his victory with partner Freddie Nielsen.
The 31-year-old said last night he could not believe his historic victory, and wanted to “cherish every moment”.
Marray was the first British person to reach the final of the men’s doubles since Bobby Wilson and Mike Davies did so in 1960. The last time a Briton won in the men’s doubles event was also in 1936.
He said was believed Murray had watched the match, adding: “He follows how all the guys do. We’re friends and everything. I’m sure he was watching it.
“If it gives him any kind of inspirational help, I’m sure it would be good.”
He said he hoped the Scot could find success in today’s match, and added: “Obviously everyone’s hoping for him to win.
“He’s come so close in a lot of Grand Slams so many times before. He’s working hard and he’s right at the top of his game. I don’t see why he can’t.”
The Scot was practising for the final at SW19 yesterday with coach Ivan Lendl, hitting with fellow Briton Oli Golding.
Meanwhile his mother Judy revealed she had received a message from Mr Cameron, writing on Twitter: “Its not every day u get an email from the Prime Minister. Just saying.”
Around 17 million people are set to tune in to watch Murray’s final, with the All England club expected to be full to capacity.
Bookmakers William Hill has Murray at 13/8 to lift the title, and 7/2 to win the first set and then the match.
And William Hil is offering Federer at 8/15 to pick up the trophy in what will be his eighth Wimbledon final.
Murray has admitted he will be the underdog at Centre Court today, saying: “It’s a great challenge, one where I’m probably not expected to win the match, but one that, if I play well, I’m capable of winning.
“If you look at his (Federer’s) record here over the past 10 years or so, it’s been incredible. So the pressure that I would be feeling, if it was against somebody else, I guess it would be different. There will be less on me on Sunday because of who he is.”
Murray said he needs to find the “perfect” performance against Federer, who is looking to equal Pete Sampras’ record of seven Wimbledon titles.
It will be the third time Murray and Federer have met in the finals of grand slams, with the Swiss triumphing at the US Open in 2008 and at Melbourne in 2010, both times in straight sets.
Serena Williams yesterday won her fifth women’s Wimbledon title.
The 30-year-old, who has made a comeback after suffering a series of setbacks, climbed into the players’ box after the match to thank her family and friends.
Almost five hours after clinching her 14th grand slam singles title she returned to Centre Court to claim her second title of the day, winning the women’s doubles with her sister Venus.
The Williams sisters beat Czech sixth seeds Andrea Hlavackova and Lucie Hradecka 7-5 6-4.
