Andy Murray is determined to enjoy every second of his Wimbledon victory — but insists his best tennis could be yet to come.
Murray had been beaten in the first two major finals of the season but produced a near flawless display to see off sixth seed Milos Raonic 6-4, 7-6, 7-6 and claim his second All England Club title.
And that bodes well, with the defence of his Olympic title in Rio next month and September’s US Open on the horizon.
He’s now won two Wimbledon titles, Olympic gold, the US Open and the Davis Cup but he’s also lost in eight major finals, including some sobering defeats at the hands of both Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic.
But, like all true champions, it’s defeats that motivate him to success.
“I feel like my best tennis is ahead of me and I’ve got an opportunity to win more,” said Murray, who was making his 11th major final appearance.
“I’m really proud that I’ve managed to do it again after some tough losses in the slams in the last couple of years. I know how hard these competitions are to win once, so do it it twice means a lot.
“I’ve lost a lot of close ones against some of the greatest players of all time but everyone’s time comes eventually, some in the their early 20s and some in their late 20s.
“I obviously would have loved to have won more already but the guys that I’ve been playing against have won lots. I’ve won some matches against them but I’ve also lost quite a few too.
“But, if I want to add to three slams, I’m going to have to find ways to win against them. It’s very rare that you get through a big tournament without playing Novak, Roger or Rafa.
“I don’t mind failing, providing that you’ve given your best and put everything into it. Failing’s not terrible, if you can learn from it.
“I think the last three months have been the best I’ve ever played in terms of consistency. I’ve made the finals of the last five tournaments and I’ve never done that before.
“I had my best clay court season and I’ve won two tournaments on grass. I’ve got lots of confidence at the moment.
“I had a good feeling about this Wimbledon. I felt I’d prepared really well, I had a great Queen’s and I knew I was in with a good shout.”
Murray is undecided about whether he’ll play in next week’s Davis Cup away tie against Serbia, with the Olympic Games and US Open a few weeks ahead, his major priorities for the rest of the season.
This was a totally dominant display of textbook tennis, defence and aggression fusing perfectly. He served well, returned even better and rarely let big-serving Raonic dictate points.
And when the match got tight, in two tie-breaks, Murray’s experience was the decisive factor.
“The last time it was such a big thing for a British man to win Wimbledon, as it had been so long,” he added.
“I’d been asked about winning Wimbledon so many times during my career and you just put more and more pressure on yourself to do it.
“I feel happier this time, I feel more content and I feel like this victory was more for myself and my team, who have worked so hard to get me in this position.
“Last time was just pure relief and I didn’t really enjoy the moment that much, so this time I will. I remember getting dragged in all sorts of different directions three years ago, so this time I’m going to spend it with my family and closest friends.”
