Murray loses Wimbledon title bid (From Times Series)

Murray loses Wimbledon title bid

6:27pm Sunday 8th July 2012 in National News © Press Association 2013

Andy Murray has lost out in his bid to become the first British man in more than 70 years to win the Wimbledon men's singles tournament, losing to Roger Federer.

The Scot - the first Briton to make it to the final in 74 years - was hoping to become the first male champion since Fred Perry in 1936. But he was beaten in an electric final by Swiss veteran Federer, who won the match 4-6 7-5 6-3 6-4 to equal Pete Sampras's record with his seventh Wimbledon title.

The crowd rose as Federer took match point, applauding for both players, who hugged, Murray appearing to congratulate his rival.

Murray broke down as he paid tribute to his team, as well as the crowd, in an emotional interview on Centre Court. His girlfriend Kim Sears and mother Judy Murray were also reduced to tears by his unusually emotional words.

"I'm going to try this and it's not going to be easy," the 25-year-old said, to deafening applause.

"First I would like to congratulate Roger, I was getting asked the other day after I won my semi-final, is this your best chance, Roger is 30 now? He isn't bad for a 30-year-old. He played a great tournament, he had some struggles early on with his back and showed what a fight he still has in him, so congratulations, you deserve it."

Speaking about "Team Murray", he said: "I'm going to try and not look at them because I'll probably start crying again but everyone who is in that corner over there, who has supported me...we did a great job, so thank you.

"And last of all to you guys," he said to the crowd. "Everybody always talks about the pressure of playing at Wimbledon, how difficult it is. It's not the people watching, they make it so much easier to play."

"The support has been incredible," he added, breaking down, as his mother Judy was also seen dissolving into tears.

First Minister Alex Salmond, who watched the final from the Royal Box, said: "Andy played an outstanding match and did Scotland proud."