Andy Murray the first British man to win Wimbledon in 77 years

Andy Murray the first British man to win Wimbledon in 77 years
Above: Andy Murray

LONDON - The mood in the country for the entire two weeks of Wimbledon had only one sentiment: Britain expects.

But on Sunday, expectation became celebration as Andy Murray became the first British man to win Wimbledon in 77 years.

A deafening roar shook Centre Court at the All England Lawn and Tennis Club when he finally put a fitful Novak Djokovic away.

And as some 30,000 jubilant spectators streamed out of the ground after the final, a bagpipe could be heard.

On Monday, the adoration continued, with the 26-year-old Scot's feat front-page news in every British newspaper.

The Times even had a special wrap-around cover, calling him "The History Boy". The Telegraph said "After 77 years, the wait is over", the Guardian had just one word - "Champion".

The BBC hailed him as an "undisputed sporting hero", adding that "Centre Court now belongs to Andy Murray".

Indeed. His victory has certainly confirmed that "Dour Andy" is now "Our Andy".

British Prime Minister David Cameron, who with his Labour counterpart Ed Miliband watched the action from the Royal Box, also hailed the achievement, telling the BBC: "(It was) an amazing day for Andy Murray, but also an incredible day for British tennis and for Britain."

Even Queen Elizabeth, who is not a tennis fan, reportedly gave Centre Court's new king a congratulatory message via telephone.

This is a remarkable transformation for a player whom Paul Hayward, chief sports writer of The Telegraph noted, was "widely mocked in his early days for his monotone, his stroppy demeanour on court and his near-misses in big events".

He might have been hard to love then, but there is no denying that this survivor of the infamous 1996 Dunblane massacre is now Britain's most beloved sporting son.

Peter Domican, a 48-year-old consultant who had witnessed Murray's teary loss to Roger Federer last year, said: "(British) men's tennis has had a pretty poor record over the last 70 years. So it's a fantastic achievement."

Lindy Fortescue, 20, confessed to being "slightly worse for wear" after toasting Murray with her friends. She said: "I'm just so happy, especially for him. He's had such a hard time both personally and as a player. He deserves this."

Online chatter even had some suggesting that the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, whose first child - a future heir to the throne - is due any day now, name the baby Andy if it is a boy.

With Murray's triumph, Britain looks set for a glorious sporting summer - and it's not just the sunny weather.

Just 24 hours earlier, the British and Irish Lions had sealed a first series win over the mighty Australian rugby team since 1997.

And cyclist Chris Froome is pedalling his way to the Tour de France title. It is no wonder many are saying: Bring on the Ashes.

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