‘It didn’t seem real’: Andy Murray’s generation-defining Wimbledon triumph, 10 years on

On the 10th anniversary of the Scot’s greatest moment in tennis, fans at Wimbledon tell Alex Pattle about the day that hope became history

Andy Murray beat Novak Djokovic in straight sets in the 2013 Wimbledon men’s final (Getty Images)

When Andy Murray won his maiden grand slam, at the 2012 US Open, the reality of the situation was lost on the Scot for the briefest of moments. As Novak Djokovic propelled a forehand beyond the baseline inside Arthur Ashe Stadium, Murray gave a trademark pump of the fist. ‘A point well won.’ It was approximately two seconds later that Murray, 25 at the time, actually realised what he had done – perhaps not the wider magnitude of it, but at least what it meant in his own life. He had not just won Britain’s first major men’s singles title in 76 years, he had removed one of the most persistent and ferocious monkeys from his back. Yet there was another still clinging to the Scot’s spine, one that would delight in screeching: ‘You’ve never won Wimbledon.’

Not two months prior to his triumph in New York City, Murray had finally reached the final of Wimbledon, even winning his first set in a slam final, only to be seen off by Centre Court king Roger Federer. But between that ultimate heartbreak and the ultimate relief of lifting the US Open trophy, Murray sealed what could be seen in retrospect as the most pivotal title of his career. It was, in fact, no trophy, but rather a medal: Olympic gold, won on the very same court where he had lost to Federer weeks earlier, and against that same man.

In finally beating a player of that rare calibre in a best-of-five-sets match, and at Wimbledon no less, Murray’s confidence rose to newfound heights. It not only set up the Briton’s dramatic victory over Djokovic at the US Open but arguably enabled his defining achievement: winning the Gentlemen’s Singles trophy at Wimbledon in 2013.

This time, there was the same delayed reaction, but the emotions visibly differed for Murray. As Djokovic’s forehand careened into the tape, Murray dropped his racquet and raised his hands into the air, momentarily unsure what to do with them. He soon decided, marching towards his box while pumping his arms vigorously, screaming at his family and coaches in ecstasy.

The very moment when Murray was crowned champion of Wimbledon for the first time (Getty Images)

“I can’t believe it’s a decade ago," Howard, a tennis fan, tells The Independent at the All England Club. “The first year we came was the first year [Tim] Henman won a match, 1995. We thought it would never happen that a Briton would win. It felt like a Brit would never win.

“He was playing Djokovic, too... It was straight sets, but it didn’t feel like straight sets. [When] he beat him the year before in the US Open, it was 3am in a sports bar, and I had to get up for work at 7am...”

“It’s the struggle and determination with Andy,” says Kate, a fellow fan. “It was such a great day. It promoted tennis to the younger generation, [it gave] such a boost to playing at the club level and a refresh to the LTA (Lawn Tennis Association). I noticed an impact, there’s been much more investment in the local courts – juniors, too. It’s just been great for British tennis.

“All the boys and girls want to be like Andy. There’s a legacy now: Cam Norrie, Dan Evans getting to the end, the excitement for Davis Cup tennis, even Arthur Fery – he did a fine job on Wednesday. Maybe there’s one more year in Andy, if he can move well. Norrie has picked up on Murray’s character – that determination, battle through if you’re behind.”

Murray’s Wimbledon title in 2013 was the second of his three major trophies (Getty Images)

“Andy has been great viewing,” adds Richard. “It’s a rollercoaster every time. He only comes into playing well when he needs to fight.”

“I’ve watched him for years,” says Kerry. “He’s grown on me. His character has stayed the same, and the British public are endeared to him more now, which is nice.

“At the beginning, people perhaps didn’t buy into him that much, but now it’s always a great atmosphere when Andy is playing – not just a big player, but British. It’s special. His personality, it’s something everybody likes about him now.”

Howard sums up Murray’s defining moment well: “It didn’t seem real.” Yet it was, a daydream turned reality; a hope that became history.

Murray may still play with pain in his hips, but for a decade now, there have been no monkeys on his back. It is why he was able to lift the Wimbledon trophy once again in 2016, and why fans will always believe he has one more glorious moment to give.