WIMBLEDON, England — The buzz around Centre Court gradually increased while Andy Murray inched closer to ending one of the longest waits in British sports.
A tennis crowd used to disappointments finally saw reason to believe, with the classic shouts of “Come on Andy” at Wimbledon over the last seven years coupled with the added encouragement: “You can do it.”
And, in his fourth attempt in four years, Murray finally did.
Murray became the first British man since 1938 to reach the Wimbledon final by beating Jo-Wilfried Tsonga 6-3, 6-4, 3-6, 7-5 yesterday, living up to the hype and expectations at home that seemed to get bigger and bigger with every year.
“I think subconsciously at the end of the match it was obviously very emotional,” Murray said. “Haven’t really been like that before in a semifinal match, so obviously it meant something to me and it was very, very important. There is obviously a lot of pressure and stress around this time of year.”
And that pressure isn’t gone just yet. It won’t be until Murray can become the first British man to actually win Wimbledon since Fred Perry in 1936.
“It’s a great challenge, one where I’m probably not expected to win the match, but one that, if I play well, I’m capable of winning,” said Murray of facing Roger Federer in tomorrow’s final. “If you look at his record here over the past 10 years or so, it’s been incredible.”