Andy Murray Becomes First British Player in Wimbledon Finals in 74 Years
Tennis Star Says He's Inspired By Miami Heat's Lebron James
Andy Murray has become the first British player to advance to the Wimbledon finals in 74 years, after beating French tennis player Jo-Wilfried Tsonga four sets to one on Friday.
Born in Glasgow, Scotland, Murray kept fans on the edge of their seats after winning his first two sets and losing the third set to Tsonga 3-6. However, the 25-year-old Scotsman sealed his victory by controlling the fourth set 7-5. Although Murray seemed frustrated that he didn't earn a point in the final set after challenging a long serve from his opponent, Tsonga managed to net a forehand and spoon another.
Although Murray's appearance in Friday's semi-final was his fourth in a row, fans took notice that it was his first time advancing to the finals which has not happened in quite some time.
The historic context of the match caused fans to root for Murray.
"Wow Andy Murray beat Tsonga to be first Great Britain player to appear in the Wimbledon finals in 74 years," one fan tweeted. "Props. Hope he wins the whole thing."
Another looked forward to the Wimbledon Finals match where Murray will face Roger Federer on Sunday.
"I hope Murray gives himself and all the fans something big to smile about on Sunday," the fan tweeted.
However, Murray realizes there is pressure for him to win against 30-year-old Federer on Sunday and said he identifies with NBA champion Lebron James who was under scrutiny when pursuing his ring this season.
"His winning this year, for him, I'm sure was massive,'' Murray said in a Boston Globe report. "For me as a basketball fan it was nice to see . . . I've been close a lot of times and not quite made it.''
Much like James, Murray decided not to pay attention to media reports concerning his game. However, he did acknowledge that it may be his time to win after coming close so many times.
"Sometimes, it takes a guy a bit longer than others," he said. "I've been close a lot of times and not quite made it. I have to keep putting myself in the position and hopefully it will click.''
