Aug 05, 2012 at 3:41pm

Andy Murray hailed 'the biggest win of his life' after beating Roger Federer to claim Olympic gold.

Just four weeks on from a painful defeat in the Wimbledon final at the hands of the Swiss star, he exacted revenge in convincing style, winning 6-2, 6-1, 6-4 on Centre Court.

As he clinched victory with an ace, he fell to his haunches, almost breaking down in tears before composing himself to climb up to the players' box to celebrate with his girlfriend Kim Sears and the rest of 'Team Murray'.

Coming the day after Great Britain's greatest day in Olympic history, Murray he hailed last night's exploits by Team GB on the track as inspiring him to victory.

And he was helped by a partisan crowd who roared on every point.

As Murray took the first set 6-2, the crowd rose to their feet, roaring and brandishing Union flags. This was followed by an even bigger cheer as he took the second set 6-1, with the crowd sensing victory.

Murray was in uncharted territory in a five-set contest against Federer. He had lost every one of their grand slam matches, despite their overall 8-8 head-to-head record.

The Swiss had also won more than once from two sets down at Wimbledon but, after two comfortable holds at the start of the third, he was pummelled into submission again by Murray's crosscourt backhand.

Everything Murray touched was turning to gold, while Federer's game continued to disintegrate in a manner never before seen on Centre Court.

Murray should have twisted the knife after earning two further break points in game seven but he showed no sign of nerves on his own serve to complete a truly astonishing triumph.

Chants of: 'Team GB, Team GB, Team GB' spread around the court, as well as a red, white and blue Mexican wave as the electric atmosphere continued.

The final set was the closest of the three, but Murray was not to be denied, clinching gold with an ace down the middle.

The crowd included International Olympic Committee president Jacques Rogge; London 2012 chairman Lord Coe; and culture secretary Jeremy Hunt.

'Team Murray' looked on from the players' box, including Murray's mother Judy and the Scot's girlfriend Kim Sears.

Murray's mixed doubles partner was also in the box to watch the action.


Source: Guardian