Skip to main content

Perfect timing: Murray wakes Britain from 77-year slumber

July 9, 2013 -- Updated 0957 GMT (1757 HKT)
Andy Murray lifts the Wimbledon trophy to become the first British man to win the title since Fred Perry in 1936 following a straight sets win over Novak Djokovic. Andy Murray lifts the Wimbledon trophy to become the first British man to win the title since Fred Perry in 1936 following a straight sets win over Novak Djokovic.
HIDE CAPTION
Golden moment
Murray mania
Perry's legend
Murray Mound
A-list stars
In control
Disappointing Djokovic
Believe
First lady
Home support
At last!
Sealed with a kiss
<<
<
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
>
>>
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
  • Andy Murray describes last year's Wimbledon defeat as "worst of his career"
  • Murray beat world No. 1 Novak Djokovic on Sunday to win 2013 men's tournament
  • The world No. 2 becomes the first British male to win singles title in 77 years
  • Murray defends his U.S. Open title when the tournament begins next month

(CNN) -- You can be forgiven for losing track of time the morning after a night 77 years in the making.

"Oh sorry, that's my alarm," says an apologetic Andy Murray as his alarm trills while being interviewed. "That was the finals day time for getting up, 915am ... just for yesterday."

Yesterday was Sunday July 7 and the day which saw Murray secure his place in British sporting history.

In the 24 hours between those two alarms going off, Murray's world irrevocably changed with his 6-4 7-5 6-4 win over over Novak Djokovic in straight sets ensuring he became Britain's first men's singles champion at Wimbledon since 1936.

Read: Murray wins Wimbledon

It had been the most energy-sapping three sets of his career, with the world No. 2 eventually beating the world No. 1 following three hours of brutal battle, but Murray didn't want to go to sleep.

After waiting his entire career to win the title Britain had so wanted for nearly eight decades, the Scot was scared of waking up to discover it was all a dream.

"That's the one worry you have when you go to bed," Murray told CNN after becoming the first male British singles champion at Wimbledon since Fred Perry.

"You wake up and it's actually not true, so I was obviously very happy and relieved that I had done it."

Blog: Murray grasps opportunity to make history

Twelve months ago Murray had sobbed on Centre Court after losing his first Wimbledon final to Roger Federer.

Redemption came a month later on the same court against the same opponent, only with a different outcome.

The Scot won to clinch Olympic gold at London 2012 and the hearts of a jubilant British public began to soften towards a man that had arguably come up short in the popularity stakes when compared to another British tennis star -- the now retired -- Tim Henman.

In September a first grand slam title promptly followed at the U.S. Open, as Murray beat Djokovic in five sets in New York.

"Last year was the toughest loss of my career," explained the 26-year-old Murray when asked about his defeat in last year's Wimbledon final. "It was the first time I responded well from a grand slam defeat and the Olympics helped.

"That period after the Wimbledon final and the Olympics was probably the most important of my career because it could have gone the other way. I could have not recovered from it and it could have been a struggle but I worked hard.

"I said after the semifinal that Wimbledon is the pinnacle of the sport," added Murray, referring to his comments after his last four win over Jerzy Janowicz.

"To do it with all of the pressure and stuff was really tough, it took a lot out of me. I'm just glad I don't have to worry about it anymore."

Weight of expectation

Murray might have been worrying, but so to has the British public. Worrying about a Briton winning Wimbledon has been a national pastime.

He is the country's sole male tennis star and his annual quest for grass-court glory grips millions of anxious fans.

While the shouts of encouragement inside Centre Court can work in Murray's favor, the media interest and the weight of expectation can also be a monkey on his back.

Cash on Murray triumph
Murray wins Wimbledon men's singles
Marion Bartoli on Wimbledon triumph

"During the match you try to embrace the pressures, the emotions and the struggle you're going through out there," said Murray.

"You have to embrace the occasion, but it's not necessarily enjoyment. You enjoy the winning and the outcome. If you lose, you're incredibly disappointed."

It looked as if the pressure might just be too much for Murray in what proved to be the deciding game of an absorbing final.

Murray, calm and composed, was 40-0 up with three championship points.

Ever the competitor, Djokovic showed the spirit and skill which has led him to six grand slam titles by hitting back.

A nation held its breath.

"In that moment it must have been hard for people to watch," admitted Murray, who saved three break points before Djokovic found the net and the celebrations kicked off.

"Last night I just saw the last game, it was tough to watch even though I knew the outcome," said the Scot.

After such a momentous triumph, it is tempting to suggest Murray can rest on his laurels.

But the man from Dunblane has more grand slams in his sights, starting with a return to the Big Apple at the end of August.

"For me it's been to gradual improve throughout my career," he answers. "Year upon year just getting a little bit better and change a few things.

"I will have a rest now and get myself ready to defend the U.S. Open. It will be my first time trying to defend a grand slam title so it will be a new pressure for me, a new experience and I look forward to it."

He better keep that alarm on.

ADVERTISEMENT
Part of complete coverage on
CNN's Will Edmonds says Serena Williams can match Steffi Graf's record haul of 22 grand slam titles following her U.S. Open triumph.
September 9, 2013 -- Updated 1224 GMT (2024 HKT)
Two years after losing part of her lung during a blood clot operation, U.S. Open champion Serena Williams insists playing tennis "is just fun now."
September 4, 2013 -- Updated 1130 GMT (1930 HKT)
Her doubles playing dad is the sporting star of the family, but Micaela Bryan's Twitter page is making the toddler a viral sensation.
Roger Federer is now in danger of diminishing his incredible tennis legacy, says CNN's Will Edmonds.
August 27, 2013 -- Updated 1107 GMT (1907 HKT)
Tennis parents don't have the best of reputations. Think Damir Dokic, John Tomic and Jim Pierce. However, Andy Murray's Mum is very different.
August 15, 2013 -- Updated 1421 GMT (2221 HKT)
Frenchwoman Marion Bartoli won eight WTA Tour titles during her 13-year career.
Marion Bartoli has retired from tennis with immediate effect, just six weeks after winning her first grand slam title at Wimbledon.
August 28, 2013 -- Updated 0949 GMT (1749 HKT)
Pat Cash meets golfing great Jack Nicklaus who explains why the golf swing is very similar to the basics of tennis.
August 22, 2013 -- Updated 1218 GMT (2018 HKT)
Pedro Pinto meets reigning U.S. Open doubles champion Sara Errani, who advanced to the semifinals in singles last year.
August 30, 2013 -- Updated 1512 GMT (2312 HKT)
It's almost been 40 years since tennis legend Billie Jean King's historic Battle of the Sexes match. Mark McKay reports.
October 2, 2013 -- Updated 1443 GMT (2243 HKT)
Tennis legends Jim Courier and John McEnroe show us why Djokovic, Murray, Nadal and Federer are so tough.
August 22, 2013 -- Updated 1431 GMT (2231 HKT)
When the women's singles champion at the U.S. Open picks up her $2.6 million check, she should spare a moment to thank Billie Jean King.
August 1, 2013 -- Updated 1133 GMT (1933 HKT)
Former world No. 1 Martina Hingis made her long-awaited return to WTA action at the Southern California Open with victory in the doubles.
July 26, 2013 -- Updated 1427 GMT (2227 HKT)
Viktor Troicki believes he has been "treated like a criminal" after being hit with an 18-month ban for flouting doping regulations.
July 9, 2013 -- Updated 0957 GMT (1757 HKT)
You can be forgiven for losing track of time the morning after a night 77 years in the making.
The number seven will always have a special resonance for Andy Murray, says CNN's William Edmonds.
July 5, 2013 -- Updated 1127 GMT (1927 HKT)
The final game of one of the most memorable matches in Wimbledon history, featuring two fan favorites, took on a life of its own.
June 20, 2013 -- Updated 0954 GMT (1754 HKT)
When Andy Murray dedicated a tournament win to a friend, it revealed an unexpected personal side to one of the more guarded men in sport.
June 19, 2013 -- Updated 1844 GMT (0244 HKT)
Open Court sifts through the archive to bring you some of its favorite interviews from the past 3 years.
June 19, 2013 -- Updated 1835 GMT (0235 HKT)
Open Court's Pat Cash takes viewers for a behind the scenes tour of Wimbledon.
ADVERTISEMENT