Roger Federer outgunned Andy Murray 4-6 7-5 6-3 6-4 on
Sunday to win a record-equaling seventh Wimbledon title and 17th grand
slam crown. The Swiss third seed recovered from a sluggish start to
dominate the match and return to the top of the world rankings, ending
Murray’s hopes of becoming the first British man to win the title on
home soil for 76 years. After sharing the first two sets, rain halted
the contest for 40 minutes early in the third and when the players
returned under the closed roof on Centre Court Federer took control. He
made the decisive break in a marathon sixth game and broke again for 3-2
in the fourth set before sealing victory on his second match point in
three hours 24 minutes. “I played some of my best tennis in my last
couple of matches,” Federer told the crowd after lifting the trophy. “I
couldn’t be more happy. It feels great being back here as the winner and
it’s a great moment. It feels nice to have this trophy back after three
years.” An emotional Murray struggled to hold himself together when he
took the microphone after his first Wimbledon final. “I am getting
closer,” Murray, who had twice lost to Federer in straight sets in grand
slam finals, tearfully told the crowd. “I’d like to congratulate Roger.
He played a great tournament and he’s not bad for a 30-year-old.”
Murray broke Federer’s serve in the opening game of the match but the
Swiss immediately broke back to level at 2-2. Federer mixed up his game
to increase the pressure on Murray but the fourth seed dug in and
conjured up his second service break in the ninth game before serving
out to seal the first set in just under an hour. The second set went
with serve and Murray generally held the upper hand but Federer suddenly
found some magic in the 12th game and broke his opponent with a sublime
drop volley to level the match. Rain halted play at 1-1 in the third
set and it resumed under the closed roof. Playing aggressively Federer
began to dominate the rallies and the set hinged on the sixth game in
which Murray slipped over three times and Federer converted his sixth
break point to open up a 4-2 lead. The Swiss, peppering the lines with
his groundstrokes, clinched the set with an ace to move within touching
distance of the title. Murray tried desperately to cling on at the start
of the fourth set but Federer sensed his chance, breaking serve with a
brilliant dipping crosscourt backhand winner to lead 3-2. Federer, in
ruthless mood, was not going to miss his opportunity and after netting
his first match point he secured victory when Murray sent a forehand
narrowly wide
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