Tearful Murray thanks support after final defeat

An emotional Andy Murray thanked the home support after going down to a four-set defeat to Roger Federer at Wimbledon.

The Swiss ace won a record-equalling seventh title at SW19 and a 17th Grand Slam crown, shattering the Scot’s dream of ending Britain’s 76-year wait for an All England Club men’s champion.

Federer, playing in his eighth Wimbledon final and 24th Grand Slam championship match, won 4-6 7-5 6-3 6-4 to join Pete Sampras and William Renshaw as a seven-time champion.

Murray, 25, bidding to be the first British man since Fred Perry in 1936 to win Wimbledon, has now joined coach Ivan Lendl in having lost his first four slam finals.

“I’m getting closer,” said Murray, struggled to hold himself together when he took the microphone.

“I’m going to try this but it won’t be easy. Firstly I’d like to congratulate Roger. I was asked the other day if this is my best chance? Roger’s 30. He’s not bad for a 30-year-old. He showed what fight he has in him, so congratulations you deserve it.

“I can’t look at you guys (in the box) or I’ll start crying again… we did a great job so thank you.

“And last of all to you guys (the crowd). Everybody always talks about the pressure of playing at Wimbledon, how tough it is, but it’s the people watching that make it so much easier to play. The support has been incredible, so thank you.”