Andy Murray was wiped out in yet another grand slam final loss against Novak Djokovic in the Australian Open final on the 28th.
The Serbian played some incredible tennis and was performing on a different level to Murray.
There is no denying that the Scotsmen has had a brilliant career, having claimed two grand slam championships and won gold at the Olympics in London 2012. Murray also did what no British player had done since Fred Perry in 1936 and finally won a Wimbledon final.
Murray became the second player in the modern grand slam era to lose five finals at the same slam when he lost in Melbourne. Despite this unwanted record, you cannot deny Murray has been a poster boy for British tennis.
However, it didn’t start off so rosy. Early on, Andy was heavily criticised by the English press.
Lows
The Olympic champion has never been able to live down what he said in an interview with Tim Henmman in 2006. A 19-year old Murray said that he would “support whoever England were playing” at the 2006 football world cup.
Although only a young boy at the time, this would stay with him forever as Murray lost a whole host of England supporters. Later he said, “I was still a kid, getting things sent to my locker like: I hope you lose every match of your life”.
The comment came at the worst possible time. In Murray’s first Wimbledon tournament he wasn’t able to perform at his maximum level, going down with cramp.
After improving his all round game, Murray had the massive disappointment of two grand slam final defeats. The Scotsman managed to reach the climax of the Australian Open in 2010 and 2011 before losing, first to Rodger Federer and then to Novak Djokovic.
It was never his tennis ability that was called into question but his mental strength to handle the pressure in these games. On the back of those defeats Murray hired coach Ivan Lendl. Lendl pushed Murray to the next level as he reached his first Wimbledon final, becoming the first Brit since Benny Austin in 1938.
The Olympic champion came up against the illustrious Rodger Federer and although he won the first set, Federer was too good and beat Murray three sets to one. Andy broke down in his post-match interview saying he had “let everyone down.” It had been three years of progress, but ultimately three years of defeat.
Highs
Murray had, had a disappointing start to his summer of tennis, but two months after losing Wimbledon, he was back on centre court for the London 2012 Olympics. After overcoming Djokovic in the semi-finals, Murray competed against Federer for gold on the same stage where he had lost the final.
It was an astonishing match as Murray played some of the greatest tennis in his career, winning in straight sets.
The Wimbledon finalist continued his great form, claiming a silver medal alongside Laura Robson in the mixed doubles. In September he went on to claim his first ever grand slam and became US Open champion, defeating Djokovic three sets to two. The match also included the longest ever tie break for a grand slam final (12-10).
It had been a strange year for Murray as he had endured his worst ever defeat, but also his best ever wins. He was given the honour of an OBE for his services to tennis.
2013 would prove to be the year that Andy wrote himself into tennis folklore as the British tennis star continued his stellar form. He reached his third grand slam final in a row but once more came up against the might of the Serbian in the Australian Open final.
Despite another slam final defeat Murray went into Wimbledon in great form having not lost on grass in his previous 11 matches.
This form proved to be lasting as Murray reached a second consecutive Wimbledon final, coming up once more against world No.1 Djokovic. It was a strange game with neither player being able to take control of the tie, as the two players continually broke each other.
The result perhaps didn’t match the nature of the game as Murray incredibly won in straight sets.
The win sparked incredible celebrations as the champion faced the press box, finally claiming the greatest prize in British tennis.
The Wimbledon champion’s greatest achievement since has arguably been in the Davis Cup. Great Britain claimed the title in 2015, overcoming Belgium, thanks largely to the efforts of Murray.
Despite winning two grand slam finals and an Olympic gold. Murray is now arguably coming up against one of the greatest ever tennis players of all time. He has played seven grand slam finals losing five, three to Djokovic.
With fatherhood on the way it will be interesting to see if Murray can add to those titles in 2016.
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