Relieved to end losing Slam run: Murray

Instead of charging up the stands to hug his nearest and dearest — as he had done in 2013 when he ended Britain’s 77-year wait for a men’s champion — Murray slumped in his chair and sobbed into a towel just relieved to have ended a 36-month search for a third grand slam title.

“I’m just really proud that I managed to do it again after a lot of tough losses in the latter stages of the slams over the last couple of years,” said Murray, who became the first British man since Fred Perry in the 1930s to have his name engraved more than once on the gilded surface of the Challenge Cup. “This win feels extra special because of the tough losses,” he added.

“I’m also proud to get my hands on the trophy again as I’m aware of how difficult these competitions are to win once,” Murray said. 

“To do it twice here, an event where there is a lot of pressure on me to perform well... I’m very proud with how I’ve handled that over the years.” 

With the 15,000-strong crowd, including greats such as Bjorn Borg, Stefan Edberg and Boris Becker, roaring their approval, there was one man on Centre Court who maintained a poker face throughout the jubilant celebrations. 

A month after rekindling his coaching relationship with Murray following a two-year hiatus, it was job done for Ivan Lendl as Murray’s win-loss record during the grass court season improved to 12-0. Lendl has now proved that when it comes to Murray, he is the coach with the Midas touch. 

So why does the relationship work so well? “Ivan’s a leader. That’s important,” Murray said.