Andy Murray has ended Britain’s 77-year wait for Wimbledon men’s singles champion with a brilliant straight-sets victory over world No.1 Novak Djokovic.
The 26-year-old Scot, the tournament’s second seed, won 6-4 7-5 6-4 to become the country’s first male winner at the All England Club since Fred Perry in 1936.
It was Murray’s second grand slam title after breaking his drought at last year’s US Open, a victory which followed an Olympic gold medal and a tearful loss to Roger Federer in last year’s Wimbledon title.
“That was one of the toughest moments in my career,” Murray said of his 2012 loss after hoisting the trophy.
“So to manage to win the tournament today … it was an unbelievably tough match with so many long games and I don’t know how I managed to come through it.
“… Obviously I wanted to win this for myself but I also understand how much everyone else wanted to see a British winner.
“I hope you guys enjoy it.”
Both players struggled at times in Sunday’s stifling heat and the top-seeded Serb, who had beaten Murray in the Australian Open final in January, looked jaded after his marathon semi-final victory over Juan Martin del Potro.
Despite leads of 4-1 in the second set and 4-2 in the third, Djokovic was out-hit by Murray who finished with 36 winners to 31.
He had 21 unforced errors to the Serb’s 40, and carved out 17 break points.
British Prime Minister David Cameron and stars including Victoria Beckham, Wayne Rooney, Bradley Cooper and Gerard Butler watched on as Murray prevailed 6-4 in a tough first set lasting almost an hour.
Djokovic raced to a 4-1 lead in the second set but Murray roared back to 4-4 and broke again to take a two-set lead.
A break in the second game of the third set gave Murray a 2-0 lead before Djokovic raced away with the next four games for a 4-2 lead.
But Murray kept fighting, reclaiming the break in the seventh game and levelled in the eighth with a running, curled forehand off a Djokovic drop.
Djokovic, in his 11th grand slam final, was broken for 4-5 before the British star claimed victory in a dramatic final game.
With the crowd on their feet, the Scot wasted three straight championship points before finally achieving his place in history when Djokovic netted a backhand after three hours and nine minutes.
Djokovic said the pressure Murray face at his home grand slam made his success even bigger.
“You absolutely deserve this win,” the Serbian said.
“I know how much it means to all of you guys and the whole country.”