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.
Wimbledon champion!
Andy Murray defeats Milos Raonic, 6-4, 7-6, 7-6, to win his 3rd career major title. pic.twitter.com/BTSCyYjZm6
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) July 10, 2016
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 140mpnh serve and made only 12 unforced errors in the final.
Congratulations to @andy_murray . Wimbledon champion again and quite possibly the greatest British sportsman of all time.
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) July 10, 2016
“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 the trophy again.”
Tears of joy.
Andy Murray is the second British man since 1922 to win multiple men’s singles titles at Wimbledon. pic.twitter.com/eLhR5i8CoM
— ESPN (@espn) July 10, 2016
The final was billed as a showdown between one of the world’s biggest servers and arguably the best returner.
Murray broke the Raonic serve only once, midway through the opening set, but always seemed in control as the Canadian struggled to lay a glove on the elusive Scot.
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.
“I’m so happy to have my hands on the trophy again”
– Andy Murray #Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/9ZhncR5vTn
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 10, 2016
“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.”
Murray’s win meant he avoided becoming the first man to lose in the final of the first three majors of the year in the professional era — having succumbed to Djokovic in Australia and France.