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Andy Murray beats Novak Djokovic to win Wimbledon – as it happenedSo the wait is finally over. Andy Murray became Britain's first Wimbledon men's singles champion since 1936 with a stunning 6-4, 7-5, 6-4 victory over Novak Djokovic Katy Murrells 12.24pm BST Afternoon. This feels familiar. We've been here before, haven't we? Though it wasn't much fun last time, if we're being honest. In fact it was depressing and distressing. But what the heck, we'll put ourselves through it again. If Andy Murray's prepared to, it's the least we can do. Plus it'll be different this time. Won't it? Except Novak Djokovic is arguably a more formidable opponent than Roger Federer was a year ago. Djokovic's powers may not be quite at the level they were when he dominated all around him during his extraordinary year of 2011, but the world No1 showed in Friday's breathtaking semi-final against Juan Martín del Potro that he's still the Superman of tennis. He's the man with the will of iron and limbs of elastic, the man who could walk through walls on court and the man who stares defeat in the face and laughs right back at it. Murray found a chink in Djokovic's armour in the US Open final last year, when he outlasted the Serb in five sets, but Djokovic responded at the Australian Open in January. This will be Murray's third grand slam final in a row against his adversary. Crucially, though, Murray is more relaxed going into his second Wimbledon final. He's wiser having been here before, he's a winner having taken that first grand slam title, plus he has the full support of the crowd. Twelve months ago, there was a feeling Murray needed to win Wimbledon to be truly accepted by the British public. But Murray's outpouring of emotion after the defeat by Federer, his Olympic gold medal against the same opponent on the same court a month later and his US Open victory changed the public perception of him. He has achieved the rarefied status of a champion the country can also relate to; the victories made him great, the vulnerability made him decidedly British. To recycle some words from my preamble last year, a nation doesn't expect this afternoon. We've got too much respect for Djokovic, just as we did for Federer. But a nation hopes. Twelve months ago that hope ended in tears. But remember, hope can also end in triumph. The players will be on court: as the clock strikes 2pm. The summer has decided to show up for the occasion. The mercury could nudge 30 degrees during the match. So at least the roof won't be called into action. We all know what happened under the roof last year. Do get in touch with your predictions and predilections: either by email to katy.murrells@guardian.co.uk or via Twitter: @KatyMurrells. Updated at 12.24pm BST 12.46pm BST Here comes the obligatory moment when we wipe the dust off the black and white film, and remind you of the last British man to win the Wimbledon singles title. Unfortunately YouTube comes up short on the "Fred Perry 1936" search, but hopefully his 1934 Wimbledon victory will do instead. At least we no longer have to remind you of the last British man to reach the final, after Murray revised the history books last year, but here's the story of the 1938 runner-up Bunny Austin anyway. From his shellacking in the final to his celebrity lifestyle and the All England Club controversially revoking his membership, it's quite a tale. 12.58pm BST Here's our excellent Joy of Six on classic Wimbledon finals, including Suzanne Lenglen swilling cognac, Arthur Ashe and Jimmy Connors relocating a court case to Centre Court and Goran Ivanisevic's most unlikely of wins. The highlight for me was finding out that Lenglen took a few restorative swigs from her father's hip flask before saving two match points in the women's final of 1919, and then going on to win the final set 9-7 against Dorothea Lambert Chambers. I think there's more chance of Centre Court freezing over than Murray or Djokovic doing the same this afternoon. Updated at 1.00pm BST 1.13pm BST The vital stats The routes to the final And the head-to-head 1.25pm BST The Guardian’s official survey of experts (ie your game-by-game reporter scrambling around online) produced the following results: Murray: Tim Henman, John McEnroe, Boris Becker, Richard Krajicek, Tracy Austin, Greg Rusedski I'm joining Martina and Brad on the fence, this is too close to call. Djokovic is the marginal favourite on paper - his record takes care of that - but this is about more than stats. How much will Djokovic be hurting physically after his near five-hour semi-final against Del Potro? And how much could Murray be carried towards history by the Centre Court crowd? Murray wants this title more than anything and there's a sense he feels this is his time; he's a different animal after the Olympic gold and US Open win. Updated at 1.26pm BST 1.31pm BST Murray: I think I'll be probably in a better place mentally. I would hope so just because I've been there before. I've won a grand slam – I would hope I would be a little bit calmer. Last year I think there was a lot of tension. Last year was completely new to me. The support has been unbelievable and that is what you need if you want to try to win these events. It would make a huge difference if the crowd are right on my side. All I care about is winning. At no stage of the match can you get too ahead of yourself. Against most players that is dangerous, against someone like Novak that is even more dangerous, because he is extremely fit and doesn't give anything away. I am going to need to earn every point. I don't know how many times I have played him, we have played so many points, so many close sets, so many long rallies. I don't know whether it is a match, or a few points or just years of information gathered against each other, I don't know exactly what it will be that makes the difference. But, having played against him and won against him on grass will help me. I know what worked against him at the Olympics and hopefully some of those things will work again." Djokovic: This is not the first time that I’ve been in this situation [playing a five-set match going into the final]. I’ve actually been in worse situations before, like at the 2012 Australian Open, where I managed to recover and play another six hours to win the final. It's the biggest final in tennis that you can be a part of, so I'm very honoured to be playing in that match again. You know, the 2011 experience and winning that trophy can maybe help me. I know what to expect. He's a local hero. He has a big chance to win Wimbledon after a long time for this nation. People will be supporting him. I'm going to play against one of the biggest tennis players in the world in last five years. I'm ready for it." Updated at 1.32pm BST 1.37pm BST The gates have already been open for three hours, and if you haven't got a ticket, you're not coming in. Apparently the grounds have reached full capacity. I dare anyone to find a spare blade on the piece of grass formerly known as Henman Hill. It's a picnic basket-wielding survival of the fittest out there. Updated at 1.38pm BST 1.47pm BST "Afternoon Katy," says Dan Lucas. "There's been a lot of talk in the build-up to this – by people who know far more about tennis than I do (namely everyone) – of Djokovic having been sapped by the extraordinary workout Del Potro put him through. Is this just enormously wishful thinking? As far as I can understand, Djokovic's relentlessness and malleability prove that he's essentially a T-1000?" Yep the world No1 is a machine, the toughest cyborg in tennis, but I think the longer this match goes on – especially in this brutal heat – then Djokovic is at a slight disadvantage having been extended to nearly five hours on Friday. I'd be surprised if it was a factor from the start. Updated at 1.47pm BST 1.48pm BST Virginia Wade was the last British singles champion at Wimbledon ... in '77. Fred Perry was the last British man to win the title ... 77 years ago. And today's date? 7/7. Ladies and gentlemen, we have our winner. Give the trophy to Murray now! 1.50pm BST So to get you in the mood here's the spine-tingling match point at last year's US Open. Do feel free to ping over any last-minute predictions too ... 1.55pm BST Courtesy of Victor Kruchinkin: "Add to the list of good omens the fact that Murray and Nole were born seven days apart. Oh and it's Murray's seventh grand slam final of course! So if you believe in numerology, the stars have aligned for Murray. Then again, Djokovic is going for a – you guessed it – seventh grand slam title. No pressure then..." And this from Paul Griffin:"Surely the vital statistic is that it's the seventh day of the seventh month, seventy-seven years after the last Brit won the men's singles title at Wimbledon. With massive numerological omens like that, you can bet your mortgage on Andy* Updated at 1.58pm BST 1.56pm BST Time for a roll call. David Cameron? Check. Alex Salmond? Check. Ed Miliband? Check. Serbian president Tomislav Nikolic? Check. Wayne Rooney? Check. Victoria Beckham? Check. Gerard Butler? Check. Bradley Cooper? Check. Jacques Rogge? Check. Justin Rose? Check. Greg Rusedski? Check. Roy Emerson and Rod Laver? Check and check. And if you don't move in those circles, you'll have to watch it on TV ... 1.59pm BST "Surely the nationalism is the smallest component of today's match, it's Andy v Novak, both truly incredible players," writes Mark Dobson. "So game on -– my money's on Andy, the crowd's with him and Novak's probably still slightly knackered after the match against Del Potro." "Hi Katy, loving the live blog," says Kate Dobinson. "Just read your comment that a nation doesn't expect but hopes today. I think this time it is different. It's more than hope, it's blind faith. We don't take a win for granted, we have respect for his opponent, we know it will be a war of attrition. But, sick with nerves and quaking with excitement, there's core belief that this time it's ours. IT'S OURS DJOKOVIC." "El Grande Djokovic!!!" shouts Milos Malovic from Serbia. And here's Simon McMahon: "Murray to win a tie-break fourth set to take the title. It is ON, Katy!! C'mon Andy!!!" Updated at 1.57pm BST 2.02pm BST Weaving and winding their way through the All England Club, Djokovic is a few steps ahead. What can we read into that? Hopefully nothing. Djokovic allows himself a smile or two, but Murray's already got his game face on. Ivan Lendl has taught him well. They step on to a sun-bathed Centre Court to a rousing reception, enough to make the hairs stand up on the back of your neck. The standing ovation lasted the best part of a minute. There's not a spare £35,000 seat in the 15,000-capacity house. Updated at 2.07pm BST 2.06pm BST Following the pre-match pleasantries and photo formalities, they’re warming up. Team Murray all appear present and correct in the players' box. Mum Judy? Check. Girlfriend Kim? Check. Dad Will? Check. Various physios, trainers, agents, PR types? Check, check, check and check. Mr Lendl? Check. 2.12pm BST Apparently the temperature on the court surface is pushing a mere 40 degrees this afternoon. So perhaps this most un-British of summer afternoons can end in the most un-British of ways: with a Wimbledon men's singles champion. Are you ready? Will you cope? Can you cope? We're almost under way. Updated at 2.12pm BST 2.20pm BST First set: *Murray 0-1 Djokovic (*denotes next server) It's time. Let's play. Ladies and gentlemen, Mr Murray won the toss, but it's Mr Djokovic who will serve first. The Murray of old started rather tentatively in his grand slam finals, not the Murray of new. He takes the first point after a rally lasting 20 shots, no doubt a sign of the attritional tennis to come. 0-15, make that 0-30 courtesy of a Djokovic error on the backhand side. The Serb then throws in an error on the forehand side, 0-40. Three break points. Murray loops long on the return on the first break point, another strong first serve from Djokovic on the second and Murray is always on the back foot in the rally, and it's much the same story on the third as Murray is sent left and right and left and right before his forehand whistles wide. Deuce. Advantage Djokovic. Game. Five straight points from the world No1. Updated at 2.35pm BST 2.24pm BST First set: Murray 1-1 Djokovic* (*denotes next server) 15-0, as Djokovic dinks his drop shot into the net. 30-0. 40-0, as Murray thwacks down his first ace of the day. The crowd whoop and holler, one patron even shouts "I LOVE YOU ANDY," to hell with British impartiality this afternoon, they're 100% behind their man. And Murray takes the game with an ace that wasn't. Djokovic opts not to challenge, although Hawk-Eye on TV shows the ball skidded just wide. 2.35pm BST First set: *Murray 2-1 Djokovic (*denotes next server) "If Suzanne Lenglen's cognac example was followed by a player today, would they be stripped of any title they won thanks to drug testing, or is alcohol not a performance enhancing substance?" ponders Ian Copestake. "I bored myself with my own question so kindly ignore it and forgive my wasting your precious time with it. Must up my game. Where's that cognac?" Djokovic could perhaps do with a sip of his chosen elixir right now, because he's making a few too many errors. 15-30 turns into 30-40 as Murray, on the run, is able to pounce on the short ball with a cross-court backhand winner. Another break point for Murray, his fourth so far. The pair duke it out from the back of the court, they go down the middle, down the middle, down the middle, eventually Djokovic mixes things up and Murray slaps into the net. Deuce. Advantage Djokovic as Murray flashes his forehand so high it probably takes out a few wombles on Wimbledon Common. Deuce. Advantage Murray. Deuce. Advantage Murray. Deuce. Advantage Murray. And Murray breaks with a superbly disguised darting backhand down the line! 20 minutes played, only three games on the board. This is par for the course with these two, isn't it? Absolutely brutal stuff. 2.43pm BST First set: Murray 2-2 Djokovic* (*denotes next server) "It's interesting how they say Djokovic is merely the same player as Murray, except he does everything a bit better," writes Victor Kruchinkin. "I'd argue that Murray actually has the better variation, the better slice, and also a better (and devastating!) serve down the T into the deuce court." Trust Victor to tempt fate. Because Murray suddenly finds himself in a spot of bother at 0-30. Which becomes clear and present danger when Djokovic smashes down an overhead, which Murray isn't getting back into play. 0-40, three break-back points. Djokovic fires his forehand long on the first, but unwinds with a probing cross-court forehand on the second and Murray's shot flunks into the net. And we're back on serve. But it was always going to be like this, wasn't it? This was never going to be straightforward. We're British, remember. And here's a nice little match gallery to lift your spirits. Updated at 2.46pm BST 2.45pm BST First set: *Murray 2-3 Djokovic (*denotes next server) "I'm pretty spent already and this match is only four games old," sighs Kevin Comber. "Can't we agree to a draw and leave everyone (bar the people spending £70,000 on tickets for tickets) happy?" Djokovic suddenly finds his serving groove. 15-0, 30-0, 40-0. But then the world No1 shows he can be human as he misses an absolute gimme of a volley. It bounced on the grass before it even hit the net, it was that bad. The two then throw baseline bomb after baseline bomb after baseline bomb at each other, Murray's explodes first, 40-30. But Djokovic comes through from there. "Watching in an Italian cafe with 15 fellow Scots and I'm an emotional wreck already," admits Simon McMahon. "If this goes the distance I think I'll have consumed enough alcohol and caffeine to fail drugs tests for everyone at Wimbledon today. Oh Andy!" Updated at 2.47pm BST 2.50pm BST First set: Murray 3-3 Djokovic* (*denotes next server) From 30-0 ahead, Murray settles matters with two forehand winners. Not much more to say than that, really. Though our prime minister nods approvingly from the Royal Box. Cue this email. "Neil Harman is surprised that the whole Royal Box rises at the same time the crowd gives the players a standing ovation. What better time will there be to pass wind without embarrassment after last night’s Chicken Bhuna?" roars Rick Harris. Updated at 3.36pm BST 2.56pm BST First set: *Murray 4-3 Djokovic (*denotes next server) Now I know Djokovic likes to bounce, bounce, bounce the ball before serving, but he already seems to be feeling it out there, because he's bounce, bounce, bounce, bounce, bounce, bounce, bouncing it more than usual. 0-15. Bounce, bounce, bounce, bounce. 0-30. Bounce, bounce, bounce, bounce. 0-40. Bounce, bounce, bounce, bounce. Djokovic misses with the first serve, cue more ball bouncing. He goes out wide on the second serve, Murray gets it back with interest, and Djokovic clunks into the net! Murray is a break ahead once more. The cameras do the compulsory panning on Murray's girlfriend, Kim Sears, before cutting to Murray Mound. There's some frantic fist-pumping out there, but no jumping. They can't move. There's no space. 3.06pm BST First set: Murray 5-3 Djokovic* (*denotes next server) Murray slumps 0-30 down with a double fault. He looks to skies, how dare the sun be shining. It does seem to be affecting his ball toss. He regroups with a smart serve, taking a little bit of pace off to make sure he gets it in, 15-30. But it's a fleeting resistance, as a netted forehand makes it 15-40, two break-back points for Djokovic. Murray dismisses the danger on the first with an ace. And from a one-shot point to a 20-odd-stroke one, as Murray eventually settles matters at the net. But not without controversy. The linesman called the ball out mid-way through the point, but the players carry on, and the umpire Mohamed Lahyani didn't have the conviction to intervene. Nonetheless, it's deuce. Make that advantage Murray. Scrap that, it's deuce again. An absolutely ridiculous rally plays out, 26 strokes in total, and it's advantage Djokovic. No, make that deuce again. And look, it's now advantage Murray. And this time he takes it when Djokovic, dragged out wide to his right, nets. This is stunning, sweat-soaking stuff. Both players look spent. And they've only played eight games. 3.12pm BST First set: *Murray 5-4 Djokovic (*denotes next server) So ... Djokovic serving to stay in this opening set. He's averaged a miserly one double fault a match so far, but throws one in here as Murray gets to 0-30. Potentially two points away from the set. Murray aims a forehand down the line, but it's just out. 15-30. Some tete-a-tete at the net plays out, but Murray's reflex volley lands in the tramlines. 30-all. 40-30. Deuce, as Djokovic slips and slides coming into the net. The Serb is down on the deck, but he pulls himself back up to get to advantage. He takes the game with a looping cross-court backhand winner after opening up the court. Murray will serve for the opening set, so time to shake out the nerves with a bit of Inverdale-bashing: "I'm sure Murray was inspired by not being handsome enough to get in the school play. It was at that point he thought: bollocks to the modelling career, I'll win Wimbledon,"sniggers Steve Fenton. Updated at 3.15pm BST 3.17pm BST A cheap first point for Murray, 15-0. Cue a fierce and focused "COME ON." An ace down the T, 30-0. A netted Djokovic return, 40-0. Another error from Djokovic on the return, game and first set Murray! Can we dare to believe this actually may happen now? Just a bit? Please. Though Murray also took the opening set in the final last year. And we all know what happened then ... Updated at 3.47pm BST 3.23pm BST Second set: *Murray 6-4, 0-1 Djokovic (*denotes next server) Some first-set stats for your perusal, and fairly impressive they are for Murray: aces: Djokovic 1-5 Murray, double faults: Djokovic 1-2 Murray, first serves in: Djokovic 60%-63%, first serve points won: 54%-84%, break points: Djokovic 1/5-2/8 Murray, unforced errors: Djokovic 17-6 Murray, winners: Djokovic 6-17 Murray. Djokovic, meanwhile, regroups by holding to 15 at the start of the second set. A strong response. He won't go away easily, that much we know. He isn't the world No1 for nothing. Updated at 3.25pm BST 3.30pm BST Second set: Murray 6-4, 1-1 Djokovic* (*denotes next server) The longest rally of the match and that's saying something: 32 shots this time. Murray then scorches down his sixth ace of the day in the searing heat, 30-15. Which quickly becomes 40-15 courtesy of another fierce first serve. But his second serve has been a little vulnerable so far, a vulnerability that allows Djokovic to scramble to 40-30. The pair send each other toing and froing and hither and thither on the next point, Djokovic spins, stretches and slides to the right – I'll give him 9/10 for artistic effort there – before he seizes on the short ball. Deuce. Advantage Murray. Game Murray. 3.34pm BST Second set: *Murray 6-4, 1-2 Djokovic (*denotes next server) A sniff for Murray at 15-30 but it's quickly snuffed out by Djokovic, 30-all, 40-30, game. And a poser from Torun Bala for you: "In football, especially with Liverpool, we count the Kop End fans as the twelfth man, sucking or blowing the football into the opposition's net. As an analogy how would you classify Wimbledon Murray fans?" 3.41pm BST Second set: Murray 6-4, 1-3 Djokovic* (*denotes next server) From 15-all, the pair embark on another lengthy baseline exchange. Thwack, crack, thwack, crack, thwack, crack, thwack, crack, thwack, crack, thwack, crack and after 28 shots it's 15-30. Thirty shots later it's 15-40, two break points for Djokovic. Tennis didn't used to be like this. Sure it was tough, but it was never this tough. Where are the limits these days? There are none. Djokovic's near five-hour win over Del Potro on Friday – the longest semi-final in Wimbledon history – was proof of that. And Djokovic secures the first break of the second set. Updated at 3.59pm BST 3.46pm BST Second set: *Murray 6-4, 1-4 Djokovic (*denotes next server) Djokovic hits the deck at 15-30. But he's by no means down and out in this game: 30-all, 40-30 with a cute volley at the net. And an unreturned serve out wide secures the game. A big hold, he'll allow himself a little fist pump and glance up at his box for that. Djokovic is starting to dictate the points here, Murray needs to step in to the court and take a few more risks. He's too far behind the baseline. Lendl has taught him to become more proactive than reactive, but he's retreated into his shell a little since taking the first set. Updated at 3.46pm BST 3.49pm BST Second set: Murray 6-4, 2-4 Djokovic* (*denotes next server) As if he wasn't fighting the crowd enough already, Djokovic has them slow-clapping and jeering him at 40-15 when he argues a call with the umpire. And Murray comes through from there. A straightforward hold. 3.58pm BST Second set: *Murray 6-4, 3-4 Djokovic (*denotes next server) From 0-15, Murray has Djokovic doing the splits on the baseline and it's 0-30. Murray v Djokovic doesn't have the clash of styles that the Federer v Nadal rivalry has, these two play too much of a similar game of jaw-dropping defence for that, but there are some subtle differences, including the more muscular power of Murray compared to the wiry, flexible strength that Djokovic shows with his gymnastics on court. 0-30 becomes 15-40, two break points. Murray misses the first, then chips and chops to get himself back into the second, but after seemingly manoeuvring his way back into the point, he nets. Deuce. And then nets again. Advantage Djokovic. Murray lets out his frustrations by bludgeoning a backhand return winner off a second serve. Deuce. Ivan Lendl sits as impassively as ever despite that thunderbolt, though he has moved his hands from his chin to the front of the box. Judy Murray, meanwhile, is jumping up and down. Advantage Murray. Game Murray as Djokovic double faults! And would you have it, we're back on serve. 4.09pm BST Second set: Murray 6-4, 4-4 Djokovic* (*denotes next server) Murray, with a spring in his step, rattles off the first point. 15-0. Djokovic doesn't seem to be thinking straight in this heat as he goes for the wrong shot selection and Murray threads a forehand pass through the eye of a needle down the line. Actually, Murray should have spared himself the bother, because Djokovic's volley was wide. 30-0. Murray, groaning before every shot now – partly due to his will to win, partly due to this heat – hoiks high and wide. And it's 30-all. Djokovic slices and dices his way to the net, before crashing down the smash. And from 30-0, it's suddenly 30-40, break point to Djokovic. Murray thunders a 128mph ace out wide, which almost leaves a scorch mark on the line. Deuce. But Djokovic comes back, here's another chance to break, this time it's Murray's turn to dispatch the overhead. Deuce. Could this be one of the most decisive moments in this match? If Djokovic breaks here, he'll be serving for the second set. But that's not going to happen, because Murray takes two quickfire points to hold. And here's the monikered Bym who's getting a bit dizzy watching all of this: "Don't the players appreciate the levels of concentration we're putting in? Can one of them please take their hat off so I know who I'm cheering for!?" Updated at 4.09pm BST 4.13pm BST Second set: *Murray 6-4, 4-5 Djokovic (*denotes next server) Murray's won three straight games now, but Djokovic isn't feeling so charitable as to make it a fourth. The world No1 rattles off a quicker than quick service hold: 15-0, 30-0, 40-0, game. So Murray must now hold to stay in the set. 4.17pm BST Second set: Murray 6-4, 5-5 Djokovic* (*denotes next server) That he does. At 15-all, a 131mph Exocet down the T. It's his eighth ace of the match and he needs all the free points he can get with conditions the way they are this afternoon. 30-15. But he gets involved in a longer exchange on the fourth point, and he blinks first. 30-all. A pressure point for Murray, it'll be set point Djokovic if the Brit misses out. But Murray, looking mean and moody with his Lendl face on, isn't about to blink again. 40-30. Game. Back to you, Nole ... 4.22pm BST Second set: *Murray 6-4, 6-5 Djokovic (*denotes next server) How significant could this third point be? At 15-all, Djokovic thinks Murray's shot is out, but the Serb has run out of challenges. "WHAT'S GOING ON?" he shouts at the umpire after losing the point. "YOU'VE GOT TO SEE THIS," he screams. He's furious. He shouldn't be, Hawk-Eye shows the ball was in. But the funk sends him into a flunk. 15-30, 15-40, two break points for Murray. What a time this would be to break. Murray can't take the first, but he takes the second as Djokovic inexplicably nets! Murray will serve for a two-set lead! The crowd explode and spend most of the changeover shouting "LET'S GO ANDY, LET'S GO, LET'S GO ANDY, LET'S GO, LET'S GO ANDY, LET'S GO, LET'S GO ANDY, LET'S GO." And what's this? Lendl standing up? Surely not. Crazy scenes. Updated at 4.22pm BST 4.27pm BST Bizarre times as Djokovic, the best defender in the game, loses patience in a baseline duel. Two thunderous serves from Murray – he's won 77% of the points on his first serve – and it's 40-0, three set points. And he finishes it in fitting style, with an ace! What a nerveless way to serve that out. He's looking so focused, so determined, so Lendl-like. His box rises, the crowd rises, the mound rises, the nation rises. Who would know he has the weight of history and British expectation on his shoulders? What courage and conviction to come back from 4-1 down. Whisper it quietly, but Andy Murray is a set away from winning Wimbledon ... Updated at 4.30pm BST 4.30pm BST ... so some between-sets tweets for you ... 4.37pm BST Third set: *Murray 6-4, 7-5, 1-0 Djokovic (*denotes next server) It's time to gather our breath and get back to the tennis, even though Gary Naylor doesn't seem to be watching anymore: "I'm off to the radio. BBC TV coverage is just too nauseating," he announces. Djokovic will get play under way in the third set, and already Murray is going for the kill. It's not often we say this, but Djokovic is looking so vulnerable. Perhaps that semi-final has taken its toll. 0-30. Djokovic hauls himself to 30-all, through sheer bloody mindedness as much as anything, but after a war of attrition it's Murray who prevails. 30-40, an early chance to break in this third set. The pair engage in a game of cat and mouse, they go forwards and backwards and right and left and left and right, and Murray emerges victorious when Djokovic prods long! The Serb goes to Hawk-Eye, but it confirms his fate. "Getting ahead of myself a bit here, Katy, but if Murray was never to win another match his place in history is secure," emails Simon McMahon. "Win this and he becomes a genuine sporting legend. I'm filling up now ..." 4.38pm BST Third set: Murray 6-4, 7-5, 2-0 Djokovic* (*denotes next server) And Murray holds to love quicker than you can say "there's a Brit two sets and a break up in the Wimbledon men's final." Who'd have thought it? 4.45pm BST Third set: *Murray 6-4, 7-5, 2-1 Djokovic (*denotes next server) Whether Djokovic is feeling it physically, whether he's feeling it mentally, we can't be sure. But what we do know is Murray is absolutely dominant, rampant. He's hit 29 winners to Djokovic's 18 and he takes his eighth point on the spin to get to 0-30 on Djokovic's serve. It could be nine, but his forehand clips the tape before landing on his side. Murray looks annoyed, he wants to win every point right now. But he can't be too greedy. And Djokovic shows real guts to hold. "Murray is actually playing like a demon," emails Bym. "And Lendl has ant in his pants or something, he's moved three times in his seat during this game!" And Victor Kruchinkin is back, hopefully not to tempt fate again: "This is game over. 2 sets and a break down? Not even the great Djokovic is coming back from this. And above all this year's Andy Murray, the post Olympics and US Open-winning Murray, is simply not allowing him to come back either. Get the champagne ready!" Updated at 4.45pm BST 4.50pm BST Third set: Murray 6-4, 7-5, 2-2 Djokovic* (*denotes next server) Hmm better put that champagne back in the fridge. From eight points in succession for Murray to six straight for Djokovic, it's 0-30. The ebbs and flows of tennis. And there are more ebbs and flows to come: 0-30 becomes 30-all which then becomes 30-40, a break-back point for Djokovic. How he needs this. And he gets it. After a draining duel at the back of the court, Murray drags Djokovic in with a measured drop shot. It was well executed by Murray, but somehow, somehow, Djokovic scrambles to retrieve it and then Murray sends his resulting volley wide. The Serb raises his fist defiantly. We're back on serve. Updated at 4.51pm BST 4.54pm BST Third set: *Murray 6-4, 7-5, 2-3 Djokovic (*denotes next server) Djokovic has kindly taken his cap off, by the way, just to make it a little easier to ascertain which player is which. He holds to 15, despite throwing in his 35th unforced error of the day. Only 13 have come from Murray's racket this afternoon. "This reminds me of being halfway through the second half of the 1966 World Cup final," writes Dan McSweeney, "when you start to think, hey, could this be for real..." 4.58pm BST Third set: Murray 6-4, 7-5, 2-4 Djokovic* (*denotes next server) The current reality, however, is that Murray is the one who is struggling. At 0-30 down he peels off a passing winner, 15-30, but it's suddenly 15-40, two break points to Djokovic. And Murray dumps a weak forehand into the net. From 2-0 up, having won eight of nine games, he's suddenly lost four games in a row and it's Djokovic who leads 4-2. Updated at 5.08pm BST 5.04pm BST Third set: *Murray 6-4, 7-5, 3-4 Djokovic (*denotes next server) And here comes another wild shift in momentum, what a strange set. 0-15, 0-30. Murray looks to have the better of Djokovic on the next point, the pair trade cross-court blow after cross-court blow, before Murray approaches the net but misses with the volley. 15-30. 15-40, two break-back points, as Murray seizes the initiative with a drilled backhand down the line, before going t'other way with a whipped forehand winner deep into the corner. Even Djokovic with his elastic limbs and outrageous reach isn't getting that one back into play. The first break point comes and goes, but the second is Murray's when Djokovic spoons an attempted backhand pass well long! And would you have it, a fourth break of serve in the set. Who'd take their eyes off this. 5.10pm BST Third set: Murray 6-4, 7-5, 4-4 Djokovic* (*denotes next server) 30-all. So will we have another break point or a game point for the server? This time it's game point for the server, an uncharacteristic mistake from Djokovic gifting it to Murray, 40-30. But Murray has to put in the hard yards to secure the game, as he hurtles forward to take it with an unbelievable forehand winner. "As a boy in colonial Kenya," writes Shakespeare Colaco, "I longed for a British winner at SW19. That was many many moons ago. Maybe, today my long wait will end. Fred Perry will surely be applauding." And here's the appropriately-named David Wall, considering I think we'll all hit a wall if our nerves are left jangling for much longer: "Forget about the physical exertion for Murray and Djokovic, how are your fingers standing up to typing the descriptions of so many seemingly endless games? If they don't start reeling off some event-less love-games soon is there an option for you to switch to voice-recognition software before your hands cramp up to resemble those of an old woman? Feel free to cut-and-paste the odd description from earlier in the match, preferably either of those that ended each of the previous sets." Updated at 5.10pm BST 5.12pm BST Third set: *Murray 6-4, 7-5, 5-4 Djokovic (*denotes next server) Well we may not be going for much longer David. First, Murray comes out on top after a ridiculous exchange at the net. Second, he dispatches an outrageous passing winner on the run. 15-40, two break points that would leave Murray serving for the Wimbledon title! And Djokovic nets the forehand! "LET'S GO ANDY, LET'S GO, LET'S GO ANDY, LET'S GO, LET'S GO ANDY, LET'S GO, LET'S GO ANDY, LET'S GO," cry the crowd. Never have 15,000 people sounded so loud. Updated at 5.12pm BST 5.26pm BST So Murray, this is your moment. His heart must be jumping out of his chest right now. His legs must feel like lead. His racket must weigh about 200 kilos. Not that you'd know it. He takes the first point, 15-0. One down, three to go. He takes the second when he gobbles up Djokovic's attempted drop shot, 30-0. Two to go. A brutal serve down the T, Djokovic isn't getting that back into court. 40-0, three championship points. One to go. The crowd roar "MURRAY, MURRAY, MURRAY, MURRAY." Murray makes his first serve, deep to Djokovic's backhand, but the Serb gets a racket to it and then tries his luck at the net. The gamble pays off for Djokovic. 40-15. Djokovic then thunders away a winner. 40-30. Murray takes his time, bouncing the ball a little longer than he would normally, the crowd think he's hit an ace down the middle but it's more wishful thinking than anything, it was well long. From the second serve, the pair go down the middle of the court, and Murray pushes his backhand long. And from three championship points it's deuce. The next point is on Murray's racket, he steps in to punish the short ball, but nervously nets. And it's now break point. Murray drills his first serve down the middle, Djokovic prods long. Deuce. Advantage Djokovic, as his half volley clips the net and trickles over. What cruel luck. He recovers to deuce, but then it's Djokovic's advantage again. I can't take much more of this. But Murray can, he gets himself back to deuce. And now it's a fourth championship point after a quite ridiculous exchange that Murray had absolutely no right to win. And this time Djokovic nets a backhand! GREAT SCOT. HE'S ONLY GONE AND DONE IT. ANDY MURRAY IS THE WIMBLEDON CHAMPION! He pumps his fists repetitively before embracing his opponent at the net and kneeling on the grass to take it all in. And then he doesn't quite know what to do with himself. He wanders around the court, almost in disbelief, and then decides to do a Goran. He's up in the players' box, hugging Lendl, his girlfriend Kim and giving high fives to the rest of Team Murray, before almost forgetting to embrace his mother Judy. But of course she doesn't let him get away with that. Lendl is now jumping up and down. Wonderful scenes. Updated at 5.41pm BST 5.37pm BST Let's hope he's got his watch on ... First comes Djokovic to collect the runners-up plate. And here's the moment Britain has been waiting for since 1936, as Murray is presented with the trophy and raises it aloft. The Wimbledon men's title, the lost ark of British sport, is back in the nation's possession. Djokovic is first to speak: Congratulations to Andy, you absolutely deserved this win, you played incredible tennis. I know how much it means to his team and the whole country. Well done. It makes his success even bigger because I know the pressure and expectations he is under. It is a great achievement. I gave it my all and it was an honour to be in this match, in this final." And here's Murray. There are no tears this year, not now he's the champion: Last year was one of the toughest moments of my career, so to manage to win the tournament today, it was an unbelievably tough match, I don't know how I managed to come through that final game, so I'm just so glad. I've played Novak many times, he's come back so many times from losing positions and he almost did the same today. I just managed to squeeze through in the end. I understand how much everyone wanted to see a British winner at Wimbledon so I hope you guys enjoyed it. I did forget [to hug his mother]. I just heard her squealing behind me when I was trying to get down and I turned back. I've got a great team, they've stuck by me through a lot of tough moments. This one is for Ivan too, because he did everything to try and win this one when he was playing. He's a fantastic person, he's worked extremely hard with me, I'm not the easiest person to work with at times. I've no idea what happened [on the last point]. I can't even remember, I'm sorry, that's how much I was concentrating." Murray and Djokovic The presentation ceremony. Photograph: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images Updated at 5.54pm BST 5.47pm BST Trophy and racket in hand, he soaks in the applause, before walking off court to a guard of honour from the ballboys and girls. And as we pause for breath, time for some reaction on Twitter: Updated at 5.55pm BST 5.51pm BST More scenes to savour as Murray makes his way through the corridors of the All England Club, where he takes time to shake hands with all the staff and look at his name engraved on the winners' board, before stepping on to the balcony, where he shows off the trophy to those not lucky enough to have a ticket for Centre Court. Everyone wants a glimpse of the champion who has rewritten British sporting history. Updated at 6.16pm BST 6.00pm BST Here's Simon Cambers's match report for you: Seventy-seven years of pain were wiped away in just over three hours on Sunday as Andy Murray became the first British man to win the Wimbledon title since 1936 with a stunning 6-4, 7-5, 6-4 victory over world No 1, Novak Djokovic. As Djokovic's final backhand hit the net and fell back on his own side, Murray dropped his racket in disbelief before celebrating in front of his support box. The 26-year-old Scot dominated the first set, recovered from 4–1 down in the second and 4–2 down in the third to win his second grand slam title, having beaten the Serb at the US Open last September but lost to him in the final of the Australian Open in January. On a sultry day with temperatures approaching 30C Murray played smart, courageous and seemingly nerveless tennis to go one better than 12 months ago, when he was beaten by Roger Federer. You can read the rest by clicking here. You can also relive all the drama in our match gallery. And if that's not enough, I'll be back with some final thoughts in a few minutes ... Updated at 6.00pm BST 6.11pm BST So this weirdest and wackiest of Wimbledons ends in the most wonderful way. What an incredible performance it was from Murray. Who would have predicted he could down Djokovic in straight sets? Though it felt more like a five-set victory, considering the match lasted over three hours. His opponent wasn't quite at his best, but nonetheless it was a brilliantly determined display from a man who knew it was his moment: he wasn't about to repeat the tears of last year, he knew after the Olympic gold and US Open win that it was his time to triumph. And when he was behind in the second set, and it got tough in the third set – especially when he lost those three match points – he didn't blink. Credit Lendl for that. That's the added value his coach has has brought to his psyche. He's become such a formidable competitor, one who is now a two-time grand slam champion and on course for many more majors. Thanks for reading/emailing/tweeting etc, sorry I couldn't use all your contributions. It's been an absolute pleasure and a privilege. Bye.  Taken from the Guardian/Observer |
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