The new Wimbledon champion Andy Murray described his glorious triumph on the courts of SW19 as the “pinnacle of tennis”.
The Scot is also looking forward to returning to south-west London next year as champion, and taking his place on Centre Court on the first Monday.
More than 17m viewers tuned in to watch Murray beat the world number one Novak Djokovic in straight sets to end 77 years of hurt in the men’s game.
Not since Fred Perry in 1936 have the Great British public had a men’s singles Wimbledon champion to cheer, but Murray’s 6-4, 7-5, 6-4 win on Centre Court on Sunday changed all that.
Murray said: “Winning Wimbledon is the pinnacle of tennis. The last game increased that feeling. If I had closed it out at 40-love, it would have been different.
Too much: Andy Murray takes time out to control his emotions after beating the world number one in straight sets Picture: Steve Wake/ AELTC
“I worked so hard in that last game. It was the hardest few points I’ve had to play in my life. I still can’t believe it.
“I will never top that, I don’t think. “Anything I win now will never have that same pressure, that same expectation, that same release after the match.”
At the moment of winning championship point, Murray’s raw celebration spilled over as he roared his delight at the press, rather than his family and friends at the other end of the court.
Murray said: “I was staring in the direction of quite a few of the guys in the press. I think that was a subconscious part of me. We’ve had a difficult relationship at times over the years.
“The past few years have been much better, but I know for the press it was important that I win this tournament.”
Murray now holds two of the four grand slams, and he defends his US Open title next month, and, despite having just won Wimbledon, Murray is already thinking of next year.
He said: “One thing I can look forward to is walking out on Centre Court on the first Monday next year as the Wimbledon champion.
“I just cannot imagine what that experience will be like.”
Defining image: Andy Murray, the Wimbledon men's singles champion 2013 Picture: Matthias Hangst / AELTC
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