Briton Andy Murray has finally won his first Grand Slam with a thrilling five-set victory over world number two Novak Djokovic at the US Open decider on Monday.
Murray, playing in his fifth major final, triumphed over the brave Serbian 7-6 (12-10), 7-5, 2-6, 3-6, 6-2 in an epic final which wowed the Flushing Meadows crowd.
The match was a see-sawing battle, with the Scot two sets up before Djokovic fought back but he couldn’t keep the pressure up in the last set, with Murray doing enough to get home despite several breaks of serve.
Murray’s victory ended more than 75 years of British, with Fred Perry their last major winner way back in 1936. The result also ended Murray’s long and excruciating wait for major silverware and gave him much “relief”.
“Everyone’s in a bit of shock, to be honest. I’m sorry if I’m not showing it as you would like,” said Murray, who was typically unemotional in victory.
He added: “It was incredibly tricky conditions, after the third and fourth sets it was mentally tough for me. Novak is so, so strong and fought until the end.”
Djokovic was gracious in defeat, claiming his long-suffering opponent deserved the triumph.
“I want to congratulate Andy for his first Grand Slam. He absolutely deserves it,” Djokovic said.
“I really tried my best, I gave it all. It was another tremendous match to be part of.”