Andy Murray credited the home crowd with giving him the edge to defeat Novak Djokovic and become the first British man to win a Wimbledon singles title in 77 years.
“The atmosphere today was different to what I’ve experienced in the past. It was different to last year’s final,” he said. “I’ve been saying it all week, but it does make a difference. It really helps when the crowd’s like that, the atmosphere is like that. Especially in a match as tough as that one where it’s extremely hot, brutal, long rallies, tough games - they help you get through it.”
Some have suggested Murray’s victory against Roger Federer to win gold at the London Olympics, after the Swiss had defeated him in the Wimbledon final just weeks before, was partially down to the more vocal support of the Olympic crowd.
Andy Murray also praised the people of his home town Dunblane for their unwavering support. “I spoke to my grandparents on the phone just now. They were watching the match at the local sports club, where I grew up playing. It was absolutely packed in there. I’m glad I managed to win this one for them.”
And he thanked coach Ivan Lendl, himself an eight-time grand slam winner, for his pivotal role in the victory. “[Lendl] just said that he was proud of me, which obviously coming from him means a lot. You know, he doesn’t smile in public too much, but when he’s away from the crowds and the cameras he’s a very different character.
“He believed in me when a lot of people didn’t. He stuck by me through some tough losses the last couple of years. He’s been very patient with me. I’m just happy I managed to do it for him.”
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