Marray completes remarkable doubles triumph

 

Originally published on: 08/07/12 00:00

Having earned a wildcard entry, Marray and his Danish partner Frederik Nielsen condemned fifth seeds Robert Lindstedt and Horia Tecau to their third successive defeat in the Wimbledon final after winning a thrilling battle 4-6, 6-4, 7-6(5), 6-7(5), 6-3.

“It’s really impossible for me to sum up what this win means,” said the Liverpool born 31-year-old. “I’m not sure if and when it will ever sink in, but I will remember this moment for the rest of my life.”

Ranked at world No.76 before the tournament, Marray had won just three matches on the main tour this year having spent the majority of time on the challenger circuit. But the right-hander completed a dream fortnight alongside Nielsen, following their semi-final scalp of 11-time Grand Slam champions Bob and Mike Bryan in the semi-finals to scoop the title and the £260,000 winners prize.

“For us to come in as wild cards, and to have achieved the impossible having beaten a number of seeded pairs along the way is somewhat mind-blowing,” added Marray. “The atmosphere on Centre Court was amazing – I can’t thank all the fans enough. The crowd never stopped cheering for us, even when we came so close to clinching it in the fourth set but then missed a few points, they carried us right through to the end.

“I’ve heard people have been saying that for us to win it would be a fairytale ending, and I would definitely agree with that. I’ve been playing tennis a long time and have had the privilege to play at Wimbledon on many occasions but today is the finest day of my career by far. I’m very proud to have got my name on that trophy and what ever happens in my career from here on in, I will always be able to say I was a Wimbledon champion.

“I can look forward to supporting Andy in his match tomorrow now and then having a week off. What a fortnight it has been for the Brits!”

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