Andy Murray wins second Wimbledon title by beating Milos Raonic

• Wimbledon 2016: Murray beats Raonic 6-4, 7-6, 7-6 • Murray claims third grand slam title of career in style 

As Andy Murray headed for the champion’s dinner at the Guildhall for the second time, three years after his first, he finally had time to properly savour the unique joy of owning not only the Wimbledon title, but the love of a nation, as well as his family.

With his wife, Kim, by his side, and his mother and father not far behind, Murray might also have spared a thought en route for his brother, Jamie, who had flown to Belgrade earlier with the Great Britain Davis Cup team in preparation for the quarter-final against Serbia later in the week. He hopes to join him shortly and then look ahead to retaining his gold medal at the Rio Olympics in August, as well as mounting a challenge with Jamie for the doubles title there. On a warm summer’s evening, life could hardly be better.

For now, though, the glow of victory gave him a more immediate rush. He had comprehensively beaten Milos Raonic 6-4, 7-6 (3), 7-6 (2) in two hours and 48 minutes, and Centre Court belonged to him. The applause that greeted his victory was as prolonged as his tearful celebration, his head buried in his towel as he shuddered uncontrollably.

Andy Murray carries hopes of nation into third Wimbledon final

After winning his semi-final in straight sets, Murray will face Milos Raonic … and he won’t be the only Scot contesting a final

 

Djokovic has gone, Federer has fallen and after a display of focused efficiency on Centre Court on Friday evening, Andy Murray will contest the Wimbledon final on Sunday as the favourite to reclaim the title he first won three years ago.

Murray defeated the Czech No 10 seed Tomáš Berdych in straight sets – 6-3, 6-3, 6-3 – in less than two hours. His opponent will be the Canadian Milos Raonic, who had earlier beaten Roger Federer in a marathon five-set battle.

With the departure earlier in the tournament of the previously all-conquering Novak Djokovic, Murray will carry the hopes of the nation into his third Wimbledon final, though the big-serving Raonic, the world No 7, will present a formidable challenge.