Andy Murray has won his second Wimbledon Championships with a hard-fought straight sets victory over Milos Raonic that took nearly three hours.
Despite Murray always looking like he was on top of the match, the Canadian sixth seed just refused to go away, forcing the second and third sets to tie-breakers.
In his first grand slam final, it was a statement from Raonic that he would be back even if he suffered badly in the tie-breakers losing his way on serve and not being able to answer the remarkable defence of Murray.
More Wimbledon:
» Andy Murray made Ivan Lendl cry at Wimbledon
» Wimbledon wrap: Murray the man, and an Aussie name to remember
» Match report: Murray wins second Wimbledon crown
It was this defence from the Scot that was the ultimate difference in the game. Every time he looked to be out, or like there was half a chance he was going to get broken – which happened during most of his service games in the third set he would find a way to bounce back and win the game.
When Murray got his first serve in though, his defence and incredible movement around the court – which seemed to be at an all time high for him meant he won nearly 90 per cent of points
Compare that to Raonic who wasn’t able to reach 70 per cent in that category and it becomes clear where the difference was between the two players.
Aces were also a big issue for Raonic – with his big serve he has been averaging plenty but only managed to strike up eight throughout the three sets this evening. Murray’s returning ability was almost scary, as was his ability to go after and attack what was at times still a monster second serve.
Raonic tried to control the match through his ability to come to the net and win points off the volley. He would win well and truly over 50 per cent, but as answer to the defence of Murray it didn’t really work out as he came up 74 times during the match.
After the first set where Murray ran away in the back end to take it 6-4 it was questionable whether Raonic would be able to come back, but he did well staving off a few break points and not being put too far behind.
If he had of performed in the tie-breaks this match could have gone in a completely different direction.
Nonetheless, Murray is a deserved winner of his second Wimbledon and third grand slam title.
Final score:
Milos Raonic 4 6 6
Andy Murray 6 7 7
Canadian Milos Raonic will look to capitalise on some good form and win his first ever grand slam against home crowd and tournament favourite Andy Murray in the Wimbledon men’s singles final. Join The Roar for live scores and updates from 11pm (AEST).
It’s a case of absolute aggression vs one of the best defensive games in tennis and it sets up the final as a battle of the opposites.
Raonic will try and blast Murray off the court with a big serve, some strong volleying and a monster groundstroke game, while Murray will be patient, play from behind the baseline and use his excellent court movement to try and give Raonic a working over.
This being Raonic’s first grand slam final, there will be plenty of nerves early on, and Murray must try and capitalise on this – if he hands Raonic the first set it will make things incredibly tough against the power game and a bit of confidence.
The Canadian has had some tough matches during the Championships. After breezing through the first three rounds in straight sets he lost the first two sets to David Goffin, winning in five and then was taken to four against Sam Querrey.
In the semi-finals he would take on Roger Federer, and it was a stirring win for the Canadian. He had to fight against a lot of errors and double faults which cruelled his game – something he won’t be able to afford tonight – but would end up winning in five sets.
Murray, on the other hand, has just about breezed through the tournament. He has won every match apart from the quarter-finals in straight sets when he was taken to five sets by Jo-Wilfried Tsonga.
However, his semi-final match against Tomas Berdych, which he won 6-3, 6-3, 6-3 was not as dominant as he would have liked.
It seemed like every time Berdych took the fight to Murray with any sort of aggression, he was tentative behind the baseline, and struggled to capitalise on points.
With Raonic only taking the power game to the next level this could be amplified here.
The pair have met 11 times previously with Murray controlling the ledger 7-4. They have already met three times this year, with Murray winning all three including a five-set semi-final at the Australian Open and a recent match on grass.
Raonic’s last against Murray came in 2014.
Prediction
I’ve just got a funny feeling about this – Murray might have won in straight sets against Berdych, but there was enough to say he will struggle with Raonic’s power game. If the Canadian gets his serve right he could cause a major upset here.
Raonic in five sets.
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Scott Pryde
Expert
More Wimbledon: » Andy Murray made Ivan Lendl cry at Wimbledon » Wimbledon wrap: Murray the man, and an Aussie name to remember » Match report: Murray wins second Wimbledon crown Match Results Andy Murray has won his second Wimbledon Championships with a hard fought straight sets victory over Milos Raonic that took nearly three hours. Despite Murray always looking like he was on top of the match, the Canadian sixth seed just refused to go away, forcing the second and third sets to tie-breakers. In his first grand slam final, it was a statement from Raonic that he would be back even if he suffered badly in the tie-breakers losing his way on serve and not being able to answer the remarkable defence of Murray. It was this defence from the Scot that was the ultimate difference in the game. Every time he looked to be out, or like there was half a chance he was going to get broken - which happened during most of his service games in the third set he would find a way to bounce back and win the game. When Murray got his first serve in though, his defence and incredible movement around the court - which seemed to be at an all time high for him meant he won nearly 90 per cent of points Compare that to Raonic who wasn't able to reach 70 per cent in that category and it becomes clear where the difference was between the two players. Aces were also a big issue for Raonic - with his big serve he has been averaging plenty but only managed to strike up eight throughout the three sets this evening. Murray's returning ability was almost scary, as was his ability to go after and attack what was at times still a monster second serve. Raonic tried to control the match through his ability to come to the net and win points off the volley. He would win well and truly over 50 per cent, but as answer to the defence of Murray it didn't really work out as he came up 74 times during the match. After the first set where Murray ran away in the back end to take it 6-4 it was questionable whether Raonic would be able to come back, but he did well staving off a few break points and not being put too far behind. If he had of performed in the tie-breaks this match could have gone in a completely different direction. Nonetheless, Murray is a deserved winner of his second Wimbledon and third grand slam title. Final Score Milos Raonic 4 6 6 Andy Murray 6 7 7
Scott Pryde
Expert
The full match report will follow shortly. Thanks for joining me here this evening on The Roar for our live coverage of the 2016 Wimbledon Final as Andy Murray defeated Milos Raonic in straight sets. Hopefully you enjoyed the coverage. Indeed, thanks for tuning into The Roar over the last fortnight for Wimbledon. Huge thanks for the rest of our blogging team Riley Pettigrew, Alan Nicolea, Nicholas Mirarchi and James McKern, as well as our editorial team, particularly Josh Elliott and Joe Frost. The Roar will be back at the back end of August and early September with the US Open while Australia's Davis Cup world group playoff in the back end of September will also be covered. On a personal note, I'll be live on The Roar this week with a pair of Australian Boomers Basketball games as they cap off their preparations for Rio, and also State of Origin Game 3 on Wednesday Night. Until next time, It's bye for now.
Scott Pryde
Expert
Murray: "This is obviously the most important tournament for me every year, and I've had some great wins and tough losses. The win's feel more special because of those losses." "I played really good stuff today, but you know Milos has had some really great matches and been in good form. His match against Roger in the semis, I don't know how many people saw that but it was incredible. He has made some really big improvements. Sorry about today and great job the last few weeks." On Ivan Lendl: "He's just lucky. Big thankyou to all of my team and family." "I'm gonna make sure I enjoy this one. Last time there was so much stress and pressure so I'm going to really make sure I enjoy this one tonight."
Scott Pryde
Expert
Raonic: "It's a difficult challenge as is and Murray just played great. Congratulations to Andy." "This one's gonna sting so i'm just gonna make sure I do everything I can to be back here for another chance." "It's been a phenomenal two weeks at this tournament and a phenomenal week just before that Queens. I'm going to continue to improve and get better because there is nothing I want more than to be back here."
Scott Pryde
Expert
Stats Match Duration: 2 hours and 47 minutes Aces: Raonic (8), Murray (7) Double faults: Raonic (1), Murray (2) First serves in: Raonic (73/114 @ 64%), Murray (69/103 @ 67%) Points won on first serve: Raonic (49/73 @ 67%), Murray (60/69 @ 87%) Points won on second serve: Raonic (29/41 @ 71%), Murray (19/34 @ 56%) Net points won: Raonic (46/74 @ 62%), Murray (17/22 @ 77%) Break points won: Raonic (0/2 @ 0%), Murray (1/7 @ 14%) Receiving points won: Raonic (24/103 @ 23%), Murray (36/114 @ 32%) Winners: Raonic (39), Murray (39) Unforced errors: Raonic (29), Murray (12) Total points won: Raonic (102), Murray (115)
Scott Pryde
Expert
Presentation underway.
Scott Pryde
Expert
How about it then Roarers? Thoughts on the match? Thoughts on the championship? Full report and stats to come shortly.
Scott Pryde
Expert
Well, Murray lost 2 sets across the entire tournament and is nothing short of a deserving winner this year. That meant a lot to him there as it was clear to see, and after losing 2 grand slam finals already this year it's not hard to see why. Raonic really fought hard there though, sending 2 sets to tie-breakers and stretching the match to nearly 3 hours. Certainly a future grand slam winner.
Scott Pryde
Expert
GAME, SET, MATCH, CHAMPIONSHIP MURRAY There it is! A fantastic performance from Murray. Strong serve and Raonic can't return it back, hitting the net. Outpouring of emotion from Murray, and a dominant 2 weeks comes to a close. It was far from easy today for Murray, but he found a way and did the job with a superb display. Milos Raonic 4 6 6 Andy Murray 6 7 7
Scott Pryde
Expert
Couple of first service lets and then a fault from Murray. He gets the second in but a wonderful forehand down the line from Raonic keeps him in it with a wide shot from Murray. Raonic 4 6 6 - 2 Murray 6 7 6 - 6
Scott Pryde
Expert
Fault from Raonic and then a kick serve. Baseline return from Murray and all Raonic can do is lob it back over, allowing Murray to pick up match point with a cracking forehand. 5 match points. Raonic 4 6 6 - 1 Murray 6 7 6 - 6
Scott Pryde
Expert
Fault from Raonic before Murray looks to come onto the attack with some backhands and puts one into the net. Hit it well, just not enough elevation. Raonic 4 6 6 - 1 Murray 6 7 6 - 5
Scott Pryde
Expert
BANG! Murray with a big serve, then a couple of forehands and one across the court to take the point. Raonic 4 6 6 - 0 Murray 6 7 6 - 5
Scott Pryde
Expert
Serve down the middle and Raonic has put a backhand slice into the net. 3 points away. Raonic 4 6 6 - 0 Murray 6 7 6 - 4
Scott Pryde
Expert
There's another one! Body serve and Murray is just on fire out there as he returns serve, stays in the point a mile behind the baseline then comes up to the net before Raonic goes long. Raonic 4 6 6 - 0 Murray 6 7 6 - 3
Scott Pryde
Expert
Serve down the middle and Raonic looks to come up but a great passing shot from Murray wins him the point and a mini break. Raonic 4 6 6 - 0 Murray 6 7 6 - 2
Scott Pryde
Expert
Wide first serve, then a down the line forehand. Raonic with some great defence to get there but Murray buries the volley. Raonic 4 6 6 - 0 Murray 6 7 6 - 1
Scott Pryde
Expert
Fault from Raonic before he goes body. Sliced backhand, up to the net and a wonderful volley to hold serve. Third set to a tie-breaker. Raonic 4 6 6 Murray 6 7 6
Scott Pryde
Expert
Raonic with some beautiful stuff here. Murray with a number of returns near the baseline before Raonic with a wonderful approach shot and Murray can't clear the net. Raonic 4 6 5 - 40 Murray 6 7 6 - 15
Scott Pryde
Expert
Another fault before Raonic goes body. Murray up to the net and the Canadian makes the mistake. Raonic 4 6 5 - 30 Murray 6 7 6 - 15