Hysteria absent, but second title at Wimbledon still ‘extra special’
Murray blunts Raonic’s missile serves to win the championship after three years
LONDON: Britain’s Andy Murray put the finishing touch to an almost faultless fortnight to claim a second Wimbledon title with a 6-4, 7-6 (3, 7-6 (2) defeat of big-serving Canadian Milos Raonic in the Centre Court sunshine on Sunday.
The world number two, champion in 2013, was in control throughout the two hour 48 minute contest as the power game that sixth seed Raonic employed to crush Roger Federer in the semi-finals made little impact on the 29-year-old Scot.
Unlike three years ago when near hysteria broke out as Murray ended Britain’s 77-year wait for a Wimbledon men’s singles champion, there has been an air of inevitability about title march since top seed Novak Djokovic crashed out early.
Murray did not disappoint as he claimed a third grand slam title in almost routine fashion as he blunted Raonic’s 140mph serve and made only 12 unforced errors in the final.
“This is the most important tournament for me every year. I had some great moments here and tough losses too so that makes it extra special,” Murray, who sobbed into his towel on his courtside chair as the triumph sank in, said on court.
“I’m proud to get my hands on
I’m going make sure I enjoy winning this one, last time I was so relieved, there was so much stress and pressure I didn’t get as much a chance to enjoy it ANDY MURRAY, world No 2 This one is going to sting so I’m going to make sure that as long as these courts are green I’ll do everything I can to be back here for another chance MILOS RAONIC, world No 7
the trophy again.” Raonic had been hoping to become Canada’s first grand slam singles champion and while he battled gamely to the end he conceded he had been second best. “Andy has been playing great and he deserves to be winning here for the second time,” he said. “This one is going to sting so I’m going to make sure that as long as these courts are green I’ll do everything I can to be back here for another chance.”