TRANSCRIPT
The long drought is finally over. Scotland’s Andy Murray defeated rival Novak Djokovic on Sunday to become the first British man to win Wimbledon in 77 years.
After Djokovic staved off three match points in a nail-biting finish, the 26-year-old Murray claimed victory to win the title in three sets, 6-4, 7-5, 6-4. (Via ESPN)
Murray’s Wimbledon victory is the first time a British male has held the title since Fred Perry’s win in 1936. He remains ranked as the No. 2 tennis player in the world behind Djokovic.
Murray himself couldn’t seem to believe his victory, telling the BBC’s Sue Barker he didn’t remember anything about the match point.
“I’ve no idea what happened. I really don’t know what happened, I don’t know how long that last game was. … I can’t even remember. I’m sorry. It’s how well I was concentrating.”
It’s been a long road to the trophy for Murray. After a tearful defeat to Roger Federer at last year’s Wimbledon, Murray clinched the Olympic Gold for Great Britain and took the U.S. Open from Djokovic for his first Grand Slam title in 2012. (Via Bleacher Report)
A writer for The Guardian says Murray’s Wimbledon win shows how Murray has come into his own over the last year.
“It was a brilliant display from a man who knew it was his moment: he wasn't about to repeat the tears of last year. … he’s become such a formidable competitor, one who is now a two-time grand slam champion and on course for many more majors.”
In his victory speech, Murray made sure to credit his famously stoic coach, tennis great Ivan Lendl, whose eight Grand Slam wins never included a Wimbledon championshipwhen he was playing.
And USA Today reports when Murray broke Britain’s 77-year drought, Lendl almost cracked a smile. Almost.
VOCABULARY
A drought is a long period without any rain. However, the term is often used metaphorically in a sporting context to refer to a long period without success. • Kerry ended a four-year drought without a title as they saw off three-in-a-row-seeking Tipperary in the searing heat of the Fitzgerald Stadium.
