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WIMBLEDON, ENGLAND—Roger Federer settled for silver when he lost in his first Olympic singles final against Andy Murray, who had Centre Court at Wimbledon rocking Sunday as he won a gold for the home team.
The result was a royal rout. Murray swept nine consecutive games, breaking Federer’s serve four times in a row, and won 6-2, 6-1, 6-4.
The victory marked a breakthrough for the Scotsman, who has lost all four of his Grand Slam finals, three against Federer.
For Federer, the drubbing marked another Olympic disappointment. Playing in the games for the fourth time, he sought a victory to complete a career Golden Slam but still earned his first singles medal.
From the start, there was no doubting fans’ loyalty. Fans waved Union Jacks throughout.
The result was a royal rout. Murray swept nine consecutive games, breaking Federer’s serve four times in a row, and won 6-2, 6-1, 6-4.
The victory marked a breakthrough for the Scotsman, who has lost all four of his Grand Slam finals, three against Federer.
For Federer, the drubbing marked another Olympic disappointment. Playing in the games for the fourth time, he sought a victory to complete a career Golden Slam but still earned his first singles medal.
From the start, there was no doubting fans’ loyalty. Fans waved Union Jacks throughout.
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Andy Murray won his first major tennis title defeating world No. 1 Roger Federer in the Olympic final at Wimbledon
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
- Andy Murray defeats Roger Federer to win Olympic gold for Team GB
- Murray beats the Swiss world No. 1 6-2 6-1 6-4 to claim first major tennis title
- The Scot avenges his defeat by Federer in Wimbledon final back in July
- Argentina's Juan Martin Del Potro takes silver after beating Novak Djokovic
The Scot brushed aside the 16-time Grand Slam winner from Switzerland in straight sets, winning 6-2 6-1 6-4, in front of a rapturous crowd on Centre Court.
It was the first time ever the 25-year-old had beaten Federer in a best of five set match and marked his first major tennis title, albeit outside the four major championships.
Murray has a chance to claim another gold medal in the mixed doubles final when he and Laura Robson take on Belarusians Victoria Azarenka and Max Mirnyi barely 45 minutes after his victory in the singles.
But he seized his opportunity to avenge his painful defeat at the same venue less than a month ago with some blistering ground stokes to take Britain's first Olympic singles gold since Josiah Ritchie in 1908.
Argentina's Juan Martin Del Potro took the silver medal, beating Novak Djokovic 7-5 6-4, after he was defeated by Federer in the semifinal.
An emotional Murray clambered into the stands to celebrate with his family and coaching team after his emphatic victory, and later told the host broadcaster it was one of the biggest wins of his life.
"I have had a lot of tough losses in my career and this is the best way to come back from the Wimbledon final," he said. "This week has been incredible for me, the support has been amazing at all of the Olympic events.
"I watched the athletics last night and the way Mo Farah won gave me a boost coming into today.
"I didn't expect that [being crowned Olympic champion] at the start of the week. I thought I'd go deep into the tournament but I felt so fresh today. It's amazing."
After an even start Murray took complete control of the match in the first set and never looked back. Federer, who admitted to being drained after his marathon semifinal victory over Del Potro, couldn't keep pace with his opponent.
Murray broke twice in the opening set to take it 6-2 and stepped up a gear in the second as he surrendered just one game.
The final set was a more even affair, but Murray secured a decisive break in the fifth game and held his nerve to close out the match with an ace.
Federer said: "He was better, much better than I was today but I'm happy with silver. I had a very emotional tournament.
"Maybe I was emotionally drained but, nevertheless, I didn't think I played too badly, but things didn't go my way. It's unfortunate, but still a great day for me.
"Andy looked like he was never doubting himself and he was able to come through this time around. He's had a wonderful career already and I'm happy for him."
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They defended their title with a 6-4, 6-4 victory Sunday against Andrea Hlavackova and Lucie Hradecka of the Czech Republic.
The sisters played under the roof on a rainy afternoon at the All England Club, a day after Serena dominated Maria Sharapova 6-0, 6-1 for singles gold.
She joined Steffi Graf as the only women to complete the Golden Slam — winning the Olympics and the four majors.
Serena became tennis’ first double gold medallist at an Olympics since Venus won singles and doubles at Sydney in 2000. Venus closed out the match with a backhand volley winner after the Czechs saved a pair of match points.
The Williams sisters didn’t drop a set through their five Olympic matches.
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