Final opportunity knocks for Murray

“Andy’s been playing great and deserves to be winning here for a second time”, Raonic said.

The 29-year-old will thus start as the favourite to win a third Grand Slam title on Sunday night, but if there’s anyone who can test him to the absolute limit, it’s sixth seed Milos Raonic. Murray, meanwhile, was masterful, winning 6-4, 7-6 (3), 7-6 (2).

His victory over Djokovic in 2013 was such a blur that Murray has admitted he could not remember what he said on the court in the moments after he secured the trophy, but on this occasion he was in no mood to forget one of his finest performances. Even after the wonder of 2013 came quarter-final defeat Grigor Dimitrov and the perfection of Federer in the semi-final a year ago.

Andy Murray said he was “proud” to get his hands on the Wimbledon trophy once again – and vowed to make the most of celebrations this time around.

Raonic slammed down a serve at 147mph on Sunday, the fastest in this year’s tournament, but his most destructive weapon never intimidated Murray. “I had some great moments here and tough losses too so that makes it extra special”, Murray, who sobbed into his towel on his courtside chair as the triumph sank in, said on court.

Andy Murray will chase his second Wimbledon crown against first-time finalist Milos Raonic after the title contenders took contrasting paths to the All England Club showpiece.

That includes a pair this year: the Australian Open in January, and the French Open in June, both against Djokovic.

This was a hugely popular victory – not just for the throng gathered on Henman Hill.

Still with his hospital ID wristbands on, he arrived without a tent but was given one by fellow Murray Maniacs.

“It was just pure relief”, Murray explained in his postmatch news conference.

“Last time, I was so relieved”. Murray made his Wimbledon debut back in 2005.

It took Raonic 35 minutes to crack his first ace – 138mph into the ad corner – for 40-30 in the ninth game, as he held to stay in the set.

Raonic gets credit for doing most of the heavy lifting coming in, beating the guy – Sam Querrey – who beat Djokovic in the quarterfinals and dispatching Federer in an emotional five-set semifinal match. This is the third straight grand slam final he’s been in which shows what a high quality player he is.

Those three recent setbacks came without Ivan Lendl by his side, though. And, as has been endlessly noted, fortified by the advisory presence of John McEnroe on his coaching team, his game has become multi-dimensional; big deft presence, deft and daring on the volley.

Murray was philosophical afterward, talking about learning from his previous losses and not being afraid of failing.

“I believed it, more than I believed it at any other stage of entering a tournament”.

I obviously had the best years of my career with him.

In this era where longevity among the top players is the norm, Raonic still counts as the new generation at 25 years old, and he has never been afraid of stating his belief that he could challenge for the sport’s greatest honours. Murray, 17-for-22, was more judicious – and efficient.

If it appeared nearly cold-blooded in its brilliance, the warm golden glow from this win will spread far beyond a celebratory Centre Court.