Andy Murray makes it to Wimbledon final
Andy Murray beats Jo-Wilfried Tsonga to earn a place in the Wimbledon final – the first British man to manage this feat since Bunny Austin in 1938.
Now the 25-year-old fourth seed must overcome Roger Federer to equal Fred Perry‘s success in winning the tournament after beating Tsonga 6-3, 6-4, 3-6, 7-5. Perry won three finals in a row, while Austin lost on both occasions.
In previous matches between Murray and Federer, the Scot has won eight times and the Swiss on seven occasions.
Murray had been previously criticised for being too passive in high-pressure matches, relying on drawing his opponent into mistakes rather than going on the offensive. On this occasion, it took him two hours and 47 minutes to bet his opponent.
It was a very emotional way to end to the match, I’ve just got to keep it together for the final. Andy Murray
The match against the Frenchman was watched on centre court by crowds including pop star Kylie Minogue in the royal box. David Cameron congratulated Murray and said he would fly the saltire over Downing Street on Sunday alongside the union flag.
“It is great news that we have our first home-grown men’s finalist at Wimbledon for over 70 years, especially in this exciting Olympics year when the eyes of the world are on the UK,” the prime minister said. “I’ll be watching the final on Sunday and like the rest of the country, will be getting right behind Andy Murray – I wish him the best of luck.”
Murray now faces six-times champion Federer in the final, after his 6-3 3-6 6-4 6-3 win over world number one Novak Djokovic earlier on Friday, meaning he has reached a record eight Wimbledon finals.
The Swiss star, who is third seed, said on Friday he would love to play Murray on Sunday. Thanks to the Scot’s nerve, he will now do so.
74 years
It has been a 74-year wait for a Briton to reach the final. Since then, there have been 11 occasions when a British man has lost in the semi-finals.
Murray told BBC Sport: “In the last two sets both of us had chances. He came back with unbelievable passing shots, had break points at 4-4 and I had to hang tough and I just did it. It was a very emotional way to end to the match, I’ve just got to keep it together for the final.
“It will be one of the biggest matches of my life. I’ve had experience against Roger in the final of slams before. I’ll use that to my advantage, learn from my mistakes. It’s obviously going to be a very tough match. He’s playing great.”