"I'm getting closer," Murray joked before choking with tears in the post-match presentation ceremony. A rabid Centre Court crowd - and thousands outside on the Henman Hill - were treated to a sumptuous performance by Roger Federer who overcame a spirited Andy Murray, 4-6, 7-5, 6-3, 6-4, to win Wimbledon for a record-equalling 7th time. It was a great sporting moment as he overcame his naysayers and convinced even his loudest doubters that he was by no means a finished article by regaining the Number 1 rank aged thirty.
"He's done so well over the years, he's been so consistent. He'll at least win one grand slam, so this is what I hope for Andy. I've obviously gone through some struggles over the last few years myself, so it's amazing. It equals me with Pete Sampras who's my hero. And as for the world No1 ranking, it's all come together. It's a magical moment for me.", Roger said after the game.
The final was no means a foregone conclusion either, far from it. In Andy Murray, Roger found a fierce opponent who exploited his early nerves by taking the game to him. Soon enough, he found a break opportunity which he capitalized on, only to hand it back. Andy found another opportunity, and this time managed to seal the first set. 6-4. Following the game on Twitter, the immediate reaction by Federer fans to him losing the first set was here we go again...All the ghosts of recent final and semi-final losses seemed to come flooding back in. Not again, Roger, was the collective sigh of frustration.
The unforced errors were creeping in, 24-8 it stood at one stage. The second set followed a slightly different pattern with neither players' serve being broken until the final game of the set. Federer held 6-5. Murray was hitting it well. Roger, tentative and slightly unassure. Then out of the blue, Roger upped his game a notch. Attacked Murray's serve and found himself with a couple of very crucial break points. 40-15. After a lengthy rally, he managed to come up with a stupendous backhand drop volley that screamed of finesse. One set all.
The rains came down. It poured. The Wimbledon roof was called into action once again. What a fine investment that turned out to be since its inception back in 2009. Despite the suddenness of Roger's second set victory, there was a feeling that neither player had a clear advantage at that stage. The third set kicked off , and continued on serve until the sixth game - an 18 minute affair involving 10 deuces and 6 break points. This, after Andy had led 40-0 in that game. The break point was finally accepted and Federer served out the set. The momentum shift was clear. Andy's body language told the story. But he wouldn't give up. There was a final was to be won.
With Federer raising his game by the minute, the strokes were crisp, catching the edge of lines, Federer had found his pizzazz, panache, whatever you want to call it. The errors decreased. The winners came at alarming consistency for Murray. Federer broke Murray in the 5th game of the set. The Centre Court crowd was muted. It was all but over.
Two and half years of pain and hurt gives a totally different meaning to this victory. And I think, personally, this ranks above all of his earlier achievements. Playing in an era of voracious Tennis players and managing to win at the grandest stage by beating 2 of the top 4 players takes some doing. The wait is over. There is a sense of relief accompanied with a renewed hunger for more. For now, let us enjoy this win.
Thank you Roger!
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