Millions share Andy's tears

Jul 11 2012 by Donald Morton, Stirling Observer Wednesday

THE disappointment of Sunday may never go away for him but Andy Murray is already looking ahead.

The Dunblane ace was not the only one to shed tears at the end of his Wimbledon final with Roger Federer as the nation sympathised with him after his defeat by the Swiss great.

Federer’s four-set win gave him his seventh Wimbledon title and 17th Grand Slam crown, while Andy had to content himself with the runner-up prize in a major final for the fourth time.

Carrying the hopes of the country on his shoulders, Andy was the first British men's singles finalist since 1938 and hoping to become the first British man to win since 1936 but in a tense final he went down 4-6, 7-5, 6-3, 6-4.

Even though 25-year-old Andy was considered the underdog, many observers rated his chances, given the 30-year-old Federer's slide down the rankings and lack of a Grand Slam title since the 2010 Australian Open.

He broke Federer’s serve in the first match and, although he returned the compliment, Andy broke again to win the first set – the first he had won in a Grand Slam final after straight-sets defeats to Federer twice and Novak Djokovic.

He looked on top in the second set as well, only for his opponent to produce some stunning tennis to break him and level matters.

A rain delay and the closing of the roof gave Federer the advantage and, although the local lad fought hard, it was not to be.

Tears flowed from him afterwards as he said on BBC TV: “I'm getting closer,” adding: “I'm going to try this and it's not going to be easy.”

Andy has taken a break from the game after his Wimbledon efforts but will be back in SW19 in just over two weeks to play in the Olympic Games.

He said: “I need to get myself in good shape. Winning an Olympic gold is a big goal of mine.

“It will be different because it’s the best of three sets and you can’t afford slow starts.”

Youngsters looking to follow in the footsteps of Andy and his brother Jamie can enjoy a week of free tennis next week at Kings Park.

The sessions for 5-10-year-olds run from 9-10am on Monday-Friday, July 16-20, and Andy’s mum Judy will be helping with coaching on Monday.

She said: “This is exactly what's needed: free tennis on park courts all over the country. It’s great that Stirling is leading the way.”

Judy will be joined by former Miss Scotland Katherine Brown.