Andy Murray finally faced somebody other than Roger Federer or Novak Djokovic in a major final. It was an opportunity too good to pass up for the Scot whose potential has been blighted in a unique era of dominance in men’s tennis.
Including Federer’s first major title (Wimbledon 2003), there have been 53 grand slams played. Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Djokovic hold 43 of those titles. Thus, Murray entered the 2016 Wimbledon final with a 2–8 record in major finals.
And he didn’t pass up his chance playing flawlessly against Canadian Milos Raonic.
“This win feels extra special because of the tough losses,” Murray said in his on-court interview after the win.
Raonic had a nation behind him hoping to see its first grand slam winner, but the world No. 2 left no doubt in winning 6–4, 7–6, 7–6.
Whether it’s the “Big 3” of Federer, Djokovic, and Nadal or the “Big 4” (tacking on Murray), dominance by a select few in men’s tennis remains the norm. The next wave of champions, which will likely include Raonic, has to wait.
Murray deservingly claimed his second Wimbledon crown and third major title, and served notice that, at 29, he belongs among tennis’ elite.
“He’s playing better than he’s ever played in his entire life right now,” said ESPN’s John McEnroe commenting on Murray’s play after he took the lead in the first set. McEnroe worked as a consultant with Raonic throughout the grass court season.
