Murray ‘very, very happy’ at US Open win
Andy Murray says he is “very, very happy” to have come through his five-set US Open-winning match against Novak Djokovic, and says he hopes he can now go on to win more tennis grand slams.
Speaking after his five-set thriller at Flushing Meadow, the Scot admitted: “It was an incredibly tough match, and obviously it felt great at the end.
“Relief is probably the best word I would use to describe how I’m feelnig just now.
“I’m very, very happy that I managed to come through because if I had lost this one from two sets up, that would have been a tough one to take.
“I was still doubting myself right up to a few minutes before going on to play the match. It’s something I have never done before. I have been in this position many times and not managed to get through.
He continued: “I think just proving to myself is probably the most pleasing part about tonight, because there were times when I didn’t know if I was going to be able to do it.”
Two-set advantage
Andy Murray let slip a two-set advantage before fighting back to beat Serbia’s Novak Djokovic in an epic match, 7-6, 7-5, 2-6, 3-6, 6-2.
The win makes him Britain’s first grand slam winner since Fred Perry in 1936. He adds the US Open title to the gold medal he won at London 2012.
After almost five tough hours of tennis, during which he lost a toe nail, the 25-year-old raced ahead in the final set to beat last year’s champion and clinch his first major title.
After the final point he crouched down, covered his face and then pointed skyward in his now familiar victory pose.
Tricky conditions
He told the crowds at Flushing Meadows the conditions were “incredibly tricky” against his friend and rival.
“Novak is so so strong,” he said. “I don’t know how I managed to come through in the end.”
Asked about the impact of his cool-headed coach, former world number one Ivan Lendl, Murray said: “He’s one of the greatest players whoever played, it’s great to have him supporting me.”
“Relief is the best way of describing how I feel right now,” Murray told reporters after the match.
The player’s brother, Jamie Murray, described the night as “historic” and Andy’s “dream” come true.
He tweeted: “Tonight Andy achieved his dream. He got the result his talent dedication and perseverance deserved. So proud of him.”
Across Scotland, pubs stayed open for fans to watch Murray battle his way to glory. And some of Murray’s fellow Scots tweeted their approval.
Trainspotting author Irvine Welsh wrote: “Not often I can say it’s a great night to be Scottish in sport, especially in the USA. BUT it’s a great night to be Scottish in sport…”
Olympic cycling gold medallist Sir Chris Hoy said: ” When I wake up Andy Murray will be US Open Champion I’m sure.”
Meanwhile, Northern Ireland’s star golfer Rory McIlroy said Murray’s grand slam win would be the “first of many”.
What a historic night! Tonight Andy achieved his dream. He got the result his talent dedication and perseverancedeserved. So proud of him.
— Jamie Murray (@jamie_murray) September 11, 2012
Massive congrats Andy Murray!!!! The first of many and well worth the wait!
— Rory Mcilroy (@McIlroyRory) September 11, 2012
God bless @andy_murray, his friends, family, and the good people of Dunblane, Stirlingshire, Scotland. Big love and big thanks from us all x
— Irvine Welsh (@WelshIrvine) September 11, 2012
