Fans always knew Andy Murray winning Wimbledon 2024 was a big ask. The world-famous Scotsman is a two-time Wimbledon champion, US Open champion, and Tour Finals victor, and he boasts a pair of Olympic Games gold medals. But it’s true Murray’s best days are now firmly behind him. The 37-year-old Brit has been plagued by injuries for years now and is nearing the end of his career. Retirement from professional tennis is fast approaching, and Muzza bid an emotional farewell to Wimbledon.
Andy and his coaching staff made the decision earlier this year not to play in the Wimbledon singles. The risk to his already battered and bruised body was just too much. But he did enter the doubles with his brother Jamie and the mixed doubles. That was a gamble worth taking for the Murray brothers, and Andy dreamt of bowing out on a high with his brother by his side. But it wasn’t to be, as the pair were eliminated from the London showpiece early.
Murray spoke of his gratitude and emotion when calling time on what has been a remarkable career at Wimbledon. He defied the odds to win the Grand Slam in 2013 and 2016, ending a painful drought for British tennis at the championship. Some fans hope he’ll return next year for one last crack at winning a third title, and the leading Wimbledon betting apps offer odds on what would be the greatest comeback in the sport’s long history. But that’s now little more than a pipedream after Andy confirmed his body can’t take it anymore.
Where it began
To celebrate Murray’s achievements, we reflect on his first and best success at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club. Fans of the former champion can reflect on the glory days when a little-known tennis player from Scotland became an international sporting superstar. He realized his career dreams before a sold-out Centre Court in the British capital, with millions watching his success live on television.
Murray entered the 2013 Wimbledon Championships as the second seed, with Djokovic as the top seed and defending champion Federer also in the draw. The British public had high hopes for Murray, and the pressure was immense. However, Murray seemed unfazed, displaying a combination of skill, composure, and mental toughness throughout the tournament.
Early Rounds
In the early rounds, Murray faced Benjamin Becker, Yen-Hsun Lu, and Tommy Robredo. He navigated these matches with relative ease, winning each in straight sets and showcasing his superior grass-court game. His consistent performance and ability to maintain focus set the tone for the rest of the tournament.
Fourth Round: Murray vs. Mikhail Youzhny
In the fourth round, Murray faced Mikhail Youzhny. Despite dropping a set, Murray regained his composure to win 6-4, 7-6, 6-1, 6-2. This match tested Murray’s resilience and ability to handle pressure, as he had to come from behind in the second set to take control of the match.
Quarterfinal: Murray vs. Fernando Verdasco
The quarterfinal against Fernando Verdasco proved to be one of Murray’s toughest challenges. Verdasco took the first two sets, putting Murray on the brink of elimination. However, Murray’s tenacity shone through as he mounted a remarkable comeback, winning the match 4-6, 3-6, 6-1, 6-4, 7-5. This victory highlighted Murray’s fighting spirit and ability to perform under extreme pressure.
Semifinal: Murray vs. Jerzy Janowicz
In the semifinals, Murray faced Jerzy Janowicz, a powerful and unpredictable opponent. Murray dropped the first set but managed to recover, winning 6-7, 6-4, 6-4, 6-3. His ability to adapt and overcome Janowicz’s aggressive style demonstrated his tactical acumen and mental fortitude.
The Final: Murray vs. Djokovic
The final on July 7, 2013, saw Murray face Djokovic, the world number one and a formidable opponent. The match was highly anticipated, with the weight of British expectations resting on Murray’s shoulders. The two players had developed a fierce rivalry, and this match promised to be a thrilling contest.
Murray started strong, breaking Djokovic’s serve early and taking the first set 6-4. The second set was a tense battle, but Murray’s relentless pressure paid off as he secured it 7-5. The third set was a test of nerves, with Djokovic fighting to stay in the match. However, Murray’s determination and superior play proved decisive. He broke Djokovic’s serve once more and held his nerve to win the final set 6-4.
With this victory, Murray became the first British man to win the Wimbledon singles title since Fred Perry in 1936. The significance of this achievement cannot be overstated, as it ended a 77-year wait for British tennis fans and cemented Murray’s place among the greats of the sport.
Wimbledon 2024
Returning to the present day, Wimbledon 2024 has already given followers plenty of drama and excitement. We are well into the final week of play from London, with the men’s and ladies’ finals played this weekend. But which names will reign supreme and add their name to the history books alongside fans’ favorite Andy Murray? That remains unclear, but traders working at the leading sportsbooks offer their predictions.
The current 2024 Wimbledon betting odds have Jannik Sinner as the most likely winner of this summer’s prize. He sits just ahead of Novak Djokovic in the betting, although anything can happen between now and the final. The top sportsbooks allow customers to predict the champion today and secure the odds or wait until the final pairing is announced ahead of Sunday’s exciting decider.
The best sportsbooks also offer in-play odds, allowing tennis fans to call the winner even after the match has begun. A live trader will follow the play and update the odds to reflect the score and flow of the play. Watch Sunday’s final closely on BBC One at home or the BBC iPlayer when on the move, and look out for any trends that may help you call the result. Other options include predicting the winner with a handicap, calling the total games, or predicting the outcome of each point.
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