As the Pimm's and superlatives dried up in the heat of a glorious summer's day, Andy Murray finally put pay to the hoodoo of British (men's) tennis. It took four championship points, but Murray defied all expectations by dispatching Novak Djokovic in straight sets. We're still mopping up the sweat and drinks from our gardens, and still can't remember how that final point played out. What a day. What a match.
The great Scot has divided opinion across the years, breaking many hearts with last year's tears and gold medal exploits. Here's a wry look at Murray's journey from moody youngster to Wimbledon men's singles champion.
The legendary strops
Murray has never shied from showing his frustrations on court - the irritation of an ill-fitting shoe the most obvious example from yesterday's victory. Here's a 12-year-old Murray honing his grump in 1999 while practising at Craiglockhart Tennis Centre, Edinburgh, Scotland.
Come on Ti...
A joke that was only funny once. We loved Tim, but we adore Andy.
Where it all began
In 2005, Murray became the first Scot to reach the third round of Wimbledon in the modern Open Era. The 2002 Wimbledon finalist David Nalbandian sent him crashing out, but a new hope had been sown in the heart of British tennis.
(Image: Rex)
Cleaning up
British tennis fans were familiar with the "fist clench" celebration after years of enduring Tim Henman's exploits. As successor, Murray not only raised the bar of British tennis, he added a certain grit to the celebration - birthing this splendid blog.
And again...
See?
Clay?
Having only reached the semifinals of the French Open once in his career (2011), it's fair to say clay isn't his favourite surface.
New kid in town
The world of tennis recognised the challenge of Murray when he reached the US Open final in 2008. Roger Federer might have dispatched him in straight sets (6–2, 7–5, 6–2), but Murray had proved he was a contender.
Do you even lift?
As Murray's ranking increased (2004, 410; 2007, 11; 2008, 4; 2013, 2), so did his guns. The addition of bulk to his wiry physique seems directly proportional to his tour successes.
The first glory
Murray's wait for a major finally came to an end at the US Open in 2012, overcoming Djokovic in an epic four-hour-fifty-minute encounter, winning 7–6(12–10), 7–5, 2–6, 3–6, 6–2. He did this chicken impression after winning.
So close
Wimbledon 2012 looked like it was finally going to be Murray's year. Having rid himself of the tension of not owning his own grand slam trophy and with the country building to an Olympic high, the stage was set. Only Federer stood in his way. The game was up in four sets, with Sue Barker reducing the poor lad to tears.
Golden boy
2012 proved to be a hugely successful year for Murray. Having picked up the US Open men's title, he wiped away his Wimbledon tears and went on to win gold in the men's singles and silver in the mixed doubles (with Laura Robson) at the London Olympics.
(Image: Rex)
Secret of success
BBC cameras spotted the secret of Murray's success yesterday's final - a small old man whispered words of encouragement between games.
Champion
After 77 years of waiting, on 7/7, having been born in 1987, Britain crowded around TVs shifted into their gardens to enjoy Andy display his skill and power to overcome Djokovic. Did you know only seven people genuinely believing that the number seven had something to do with the victory?
(Image: Rex)
Beyond belief
Andy took to Twitter shortly after coming back down to earth, promptly breaking the internet.
Face/Off
The most formidable (and terrifying) mixed doubles partnership ever conceived...
