'I'm getting closer,' says tearful Murray
'I'm getting closer,' says tearful Murray
Roger
Federer outgunned Andy Murray 4-6 7-5 6-3 6-4 on Sunday to win a
record-equalling seventh Wimbledon title and 17th Grand Slam crown.
"I am getting closer," Murray, who had twice lost to
Federer in straight sets in Grand Slam finals, tearfully told the crowd
after the match.
""I was told the other day that 'this is your best chance because
Roger is 30 now.' He's not bad for a 30-year-old. He had some struggles
early on (this tournament) with his back and today he showed us what
fight he has got left in him.
"I'm going to start crying again... Everybody always talks about the
pressure of playing at Wimbledon, how tough it is, ... the people
watching make it so much easier to play - they make it incredible,"
Murray added as he was given a rapturous round of applause.
Swiss third seed Federer recovered from a sluggish start to dominate
the match and return to the top of the world rankings, ending Murray's
hopes of becoming the first British man to win the title on home soil
for 76 years.
After sharing the first two sets, rain halted the contest for 40
minutes early in the third and when the players returned under the
closed roof on Centre Court Federer took control.
He made the decisive break in a marathon sixth game and broke again
for 3-2 in the fourth set before sealing victory on his second match
point in three hours 24 minutes.
"I played some of my best tennis in my last couple of matches," Federer told the crowd after lifting the trophy.
"I couldn't be more happy. It feels being great being back here as
the winner and it's a great moment. It feels nice to have this trophy
back after three years."
Federer also offered Murray some words of encouragement.
"I really do believe deep down in me he will win grand slams, not
just one. I do wish him all the best. This is genuine. He works
extremely hard," he said.
"Things just didn't quite turn out for him in the finals that he
hoped for. But today I'm sure he got another step closer to a grand slam
title for him. I really do believe and hope for him that he's going to
win one soon."
