I had to win Wimbledon or my career would have meant nothing, says Sir Andy Murray
SIR Andy Murray told how his glittering career would have meant nothing had he not won Wimbledon.
The tennis legend, 35, said he was left “shaking” with nerves as he battled to become the first British man in 77 years to clinch his home tournament.
And he admits in a tell-all BBC documentary that the first of his two Wimbers triumphs in 2013 was “the biggest day of my life”.
The programme, Andy Murray: Will To Win, marks what is set to be his final appearance at the All England Club next month.
The ace, from Dunblane, Perthshire, had been left in tears by a devastating final loss to Roger Federer on Centre Court in 2012.
A year later he felt the weight of the nation on his shoulders as he faced Novak Djokovic at the same stage.
Recalling the tense closing stages, Muzza said: “I went to the back of the court to get my towel and I saw my arm and hands shaking.
“After I won it was just relief. It was my most important match as I believe if I was sitting here today having not won Wimbledon then everything else I achieved in my career wouldn’t matter.
“That is what winning Wimbledon meant to a British player.”
Sir Andy won the tournament again in 2016. He also claimed the 2012 US Open, led Great Britain to the Davis Cup in 2015 and picked up two Olympic gold medals.
As he prepares to retire after battling injuries and hip surgery, he said: “I think I persevered. That’s really been the story of my career.”
His parents were with him when he collected an OBE in 2013 before being knighted four years later.
Dad Willie, 69, said: “Achieving world No1 status in tennis is the sort of thing dreams are made of.”
And mum Judy, 64, added: “From when he was young, whenever there was a major disappointment, he always came back stronger from it.”
The programme features tributes from ex-player Tim Henman, 49, and Beeb presenter Sue Barker, 68.
She said: “He’s the most successful, most popular British sports person there has been. A great champion.”
AndyMurray: Will To Win, BBC One, June 28, 9pm — and available on BBC iPlayer from today.