FAINALI YA WIMBLEDON: ANDY MURRAY ASHINDA BAADA YA KUMFUNGA DJOKOVIC

Andy Murray has become the first British man to win the Wimbledon singles title for 77 years after beating Novak Djokovic 6-4 7-5 6-4 in the final.

Britain has been waiting for a champion since Fred Perry lifted the third of his three titles in 1936 and the Scottish world No 2 finally obliged, a year after losing last year's showpiece to Roger Federer.

But since then Murray has won the Olympic final on Centre Court and his maiden Grand Slam, beating Djokovic in straight sets in the Olympic semis and over five sets in the US Open final.

Murray played the match of his life in baking temperatures before a noisily patriotic Centre Court crowd, although he was also able to take advantage of a world No 1 who was some way below his very best, at least in the first two sets.


The two 26-year-olds were playing each other in a Grand Slam final for the third time in the last four majors, with Murray winning last year at Flushing Meadows and Djokovic taking this year's Australian Open.

Djokovic, the top-seeded Serb who won the 2011 title at the All England Club, had won the last three matches between the two, but this was an error-strewn display from the six-time Grand Slam champion.

The Serb slumped to 0-40 in his first service game and Murray could not convert, but he did break at the next opportunity, taking a 2-1 lead albeit with his 10th break point chance.

The first three games lasted all of 20 minutes and that set the tone for a match which was dominated by lengthy baseline rallies between two players with remarkably similar playing styles.

Djokovic broke straight back for 2-2, but at 3-3 Murray again got to 0-40 on the Djokovic serve and a netted backhand down the line gave the Scot a second break.

This time Murray was able to hold on, recovering from 15-40 down to hold for 5-3, then serving out the set in just under an hour.

Roared back

Djokovic roared back to break for a 3-1 lead after a Murray forehand hit the tape, then held for 4-1 after being 15-30 on second serve.

But a lucky netcord earned Murray two break points and although Djokovic saved those, Murray carved out another chance with a blistering crosscourt forehand and then Djokovic double faulted to get the set back on serve.

Djokovic was furious after a line call went against him at 5-5 but he was out of challenges (hawkeye showed the ball was in anyway), then he dumped a forehand in the net to hand Murray the break at 6-5.

Murray raced to 40-0 and won the set with an ace, then secured an early break in the third for a 2-0 lead.

But the drama was only just beginning.

Djokovic broke straight back and Murray played his worst game of the match at 2-3, surrendering his service once again and handing the intitiative to Djokovic.

Now it was Murray's turn to find a new gear, as he broke back and held for 4-4, then played some simply inspired tenis to lead 5-4.

Serving for the match and with excitement at fever pitch, Murray raced into a 40-0 lead and with it three championship points.

Djokovic saved all three, then had three break-back points. Murray held his nerve and finally secured a fourth match point. This time there was to be no reprieve for Djokovic, who found the net with a weak backhand. The celebrations - mixed with plenty of relief - could finally begin.