Roger Federer wins Wimbledon men's singles finals
Roger Federer at Wimbledon. Federer won his seventh Wimbledon title during the men’s singles finals July 8.
(Photo courtesy of Flickr user digitalreflections)
The Swiss tennis player Roger Federer has won a seventh Wimbledon title and a seventeenth Grand Slam title, defeating the Scottish player Andy Murray at the men’s singles finals.
In what was a very tense match for both players, Federer defeated Murray 4-6, 7-5, 6-3, 6-4 to become the world’s number one tennis player and marking the record set by the American tennis player Pete Sampras. Murray was looking to become the first British man since Fred Parry in 1936 to hoist a Grand Slam title, having been the first British man in seventy four years to reach the final.
Speaking after the match, Murray gave an emotional speech. “I’m getting closer,” Murray said speaking to the BBC’s Sue Barker according to a report from the British newspaper The Guardian as his voice cracked. “I’m gonna try. This is not going to be easy. Firstly I’d like to congratulate Roger. I was asked the other day: ‘Is this your best chance, Roger is 30 now?’ He’s not bad for a 30-year-old. He played a great tournament. I know he had some struggles with his back but he showed what fight he had. He deserves it.” Murray praised his supporters at Center Court and across the UK.
Federer praised Murray and added that being equal to Pete Sampras was a magical moment. “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,” Federer said according to The Guardian. “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.”
Murray moves on to the London 2012 Olympics, where he will be playing with Britain’s tennis team. Federer will also be at the Olympics, competing with Switzerland’s tennis team.