Britain's Andy Murray wins second Wimbledon title
© POOL/AFP Andrew Couldridge
LONDON (Reuters) - Britain's Andy Murray put the finishing touch to an almost faultless fortnight to claim a second Wimbledon title with a 6-4 7-6(3) 7-6(2) defeat of big-serving Canadian Milos Raonic in the Centre Court sunshine on Sunday.
The world number two, champion in 2013, was in control throughout the two hour 48 minute contest as the power game that sixth seed Raonic employed to crush Roger Federer in the semi-finals made little impact on the 29-year-old Scot.
Unlike three years ago when near hysteria broke out as Murray ended Britain's 77-year wait for a Wimbledon men's singles champion, there has been an air of inevitability about title march since top seed Novak Djokovic crashed out early.
Murray did not disappoint as he claimed a third grand slam title in almost routine fashion as he blunted Raonic's 140mpnh serve and made only 12 unforced errors in the final.
"This is the most important tournament for me every year. 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.
"I'm proud to get my hands on the trophy again."
The final was billed as a showdown between one of the world's biggest servers and arguably the best returner.
Murray broke the Raonic serve only once, midway through the opening set, but always seemed in control as the Canadian struggled to lay a glove on the elusive Scot.
© POOL/AFP Andrew Couldridge
Second best
Raonic had been hoping to become Canada's first grand slam singles champion and while he battled gamely to the end he conceded he had been second best.
"Andy has been playing great and he deserves to be winning here for the second time," he said.
"This one is going to sting so I'm going to make sure that as long as these courts are green I'll do everything I can to be back here for another chance."
The first chink Raonic's armor came in the seventh game when he netted a forehand volley to hand Murray a break.
The Scot pressed repeatedly for another break in the second set but Raonic showed great resilience to take it to a tiebreak, only for Murray to raise his game to a new level.
The match was more than two hours old when Raonic finally had two break points at 2-2 in the third set, but Murray saved both and held -- roaring angrily towards his coach Ivan Lendl.
Twice Raonic held serve to stay in the match, at 4-5 and 5-6, but Murray again upped the ante in the tiebreak, winning the first five points as he surged towards victory.
Raonic saved one match point but Murray wrapped it up when he forced the Canadian to net a backhand.
Murray's win meant he avoided becoming the first man to lose in the final of the first three majors of the year in the professional era -- having succumbed to Djokovic in Australia and France.
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