Andy Murray won his first career Grand Slam title on Monday night, as the 25-year-old finally broke through to win the U.S. Open, defeating Novak Djokovic in a five-set final. Murray spoke candidly about the emotional nature of the championship after the win in an interview with BBC Sport:
Andy Murray On U.S. Open 2012 Title: ‘It Means The World To Me’
It means the world to me. It’s been what I’ve been working towards for the last ten years of my life. I’ve always wanted to try and win a Grand Slam, having come close a few times and the disappointment of the Wimbledon final a few months ago. To come back in the next Grand Slam and to win it, you know, five-set match against Djokovic, on a hard court, he hasn’t lost in a few years on a hard court in the Grand Slams, is unbelievable.
Murray finally was able to chuckle when asked for what he hopes is the last time about the decades-old streak of British players failing to win Grand Slam titles.
I’ve been reminded about that most days of my life for the last few years. Every time I address the press I get asked about it. So it’s great to finally have finally done it and I don’t need to get asked about it anymore.
Murray won’t have to worry about this one -- reporters will begin incessantly asking him about this again when Wimbledon comes around.
The Scotsman pinned his ability to finally break through on consistent effort and a supporting cast featuring legend Ivan Lendl:
I think I’ve kept improving. I’ve worked hard pretty much all the time, even after the tough losses. That’s helped. I’ve had a fairly solid team around me as well, for a long time. We’ve not changed too much. I’ve had the same fitness trainers, physios, and Danny, my coach, has been with me for a long time, but having Ivan Lendl around has definitely helped, not just me, but the rest of the team as well. Having someone with his experience, especially in these situations. He’s got his name on that trophy three times, made the final eight times in a row, it really helps having him around.
Immediately after winning, Murray expressed shock that he pulled out the epic match after losing the third and fourth sets:
“It was incredibly tricky conditions,” Murray said during the on-court trophy ceremony. “After the third and fourth sets it was tough mentally for me. ... I don’t know how I managed to come through in the end.”
For more on the U.S. Open, check out SB Nation’s tennis hub.
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