KRISTEN’S KOURT: 5 Ways Andy Murray Still Won Wimbledon

Written by: Staff on 9th July 2012

KRISTEN'S KOURT: 5 Ways Andy Murray Still Won Wimbledon

epa03300893 Andy Murray of Britain returns to Roger Federer of Switzerland during the men's final match for the Wimbledon Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis Club, in London, Britain, 08 July 2012. EPA/JONATHAN BRADY |

By Kristen Tracy

I know, I know. Andy Murray didn’t actually hoist up the champion’s trophy at the end of his grueling match against Roger Federer. But he can nevertheless count himself victorious in many other ways. Here are 5 reasons why Andy Murray still won Wimbledon:

1. He finally proved himself

Since the departure of Tim Henman from the pro tour, the pressure for a Brit to win Wimbledon has lied solely on the shoulders of Murray. For the past few years, British fans (and tennis fans alike) have watched in agony as he has pushed and pushed, only to be denied by either Djokovic, Nadal, and/or Federer. His first Wimbledon final appearance was not only the first for a British man since 1938, but it was a defining moment for Murray. He showed that his no. 4 ranking is no fluke. Even though he may not have captured the title, you can bet that we’ll be seeing him again in a Wimbledon final real soon.

2. He won over the tennis world

It’s no secret that Murray’s on-court antics and temper are often off-putting to fans. But his time with Ivan Lendl recently has proven to be beneficial to both his demeanor during a match, as well as his appeal to fans. During the last few points of the championship match, fans were cheering louder than I’ve ever heard. People in both the stands and those outside were chanting “Andy! Andy! Andy!” They were doing everything they could think of to try to keep him going and in the match. Sounds like a fan favorite if you ask me.

3. He won over the rest of the world

Did anyone else notice the star power that showed up today? Britain’s biggest names, including David and Victoria Beckham, Rod Laver, and the Duchess of Cambridge herself, Kate Middleton were in attendance today to celebrate the milestone for British tennis. And though Roger Federer may have come out on top, Andy has to be proud to know that so many showed up to celebrate his remarkable achievement. The crowd, along with its many famous faces erupted in a standing ovation during Murray’s trophy presentation speech, acknowledging the fact that he has made Britain, and the rest of the world, remarkably proud.

4. He made no excuses

During the award ceremony, Murray was only able to briefly thank his fans before he broke down into tears. The raw emotion exuding from him showed testament to not only the devastation he understandingly felt following his defeat, but also to the exuberant effort showed by Federer – and Murray took note. “I thought I played a pretty good match, a lot of close shots, a lot of close games, a lot of break points here and there,” said Murray. “But he played very well, in the last two sets especially. When the roof was closed he played unbelievable tennis.”

5. He still believes he can win

Most players would feel deflated following such an emotional defeat. To many, regrouping and getting back on the court would take a lot. But Murray recognizes that he still has some work to do, but that it’s more in his reach now than ever. “I am getting closer,” he said. “I am going to try this and it isn’t going to be easy…Everybody talks about the pressures of playing Wimbledon, how tough it is. But the support has been incredible. So thank you.”

But just because he has more confidence in himself doesn’t mean you should expect to see him on the courts anytime this week. “There’s no point in going on the court until I’m ready to learn and work hard and do the right things in the gym and in practice. So I’ll wait and see how my body recovers. I fell a lot of times in this tournament and have a lot of bruises. So I need to take a few days off, let everything heal, recover, and then see. But I won’t be on court next week, that’s for sure.” A rest much needed – and deserved – if you ask me.

Roger Federer may have stood with the champion’s trophy and the world no. 1 ranking at the end of today’s match, but it was Andy Murray who showed why he is among the best in the world. I have a feeling we’ll be seeing a lot more from Andy Murray in the next couple Wimbledon Championships. In fact, is it too early to make him my pick for the 2013 men’s champion?

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Topics: 10sballs.com, Andy Murray, British tennis news, Kristen Tracy, Roger Federer, Tim Henman, Wimbledon Finals