2016 Wimbledon Champion: Andy Murray Defeats Milos Raonic 6-4, 7-6, 7-6 in the Final

ATP’s No.2 Andy Murray becomes the 2016 Wimbledon champion following his victory over Canadian Milos Raonic.

(Image credit: Wimbledon)

“I still feel like my best tennis is ahead of me, that I have an opportunity to win more. Everyone’s time comes at different stages. Hopefully mine is to come,” Murray commented after being crowned 2016 Wimbledon champion.

“Failing’s not terrible. I put myself in a position all the time in these events to win them but haven’t won them all the time. I’ve lost a lot of close ones against great players most of the time. Learning from my losses is something I’ve done throughout most of my career. I think the last three months have been some of the best I’ve played in terms of consistency.”

Murray’s title challenge was undoubtedly aided by the absence of Serbian star Novak Djokovic (No. 1), who suffered a shock loss to American Sam Querrey (No. 12) in the third round of the competition. Before Wimbledon commenced on June 27, Djokovic was the defending champion of the previous two editions of the prestigious tournament, and he was the absolute favourite for the title, per online sportsbooks.

But as soon as he got dumped out by Querrey, Murray’s odds of becoming the 2016 Wimbledon champion increased instantly. This year’s competition also witnessed another shock exit by Roger Federer at the hands of the finalist himself Raonic in the semi-finals, which effectively saw the latter qualify for the final.

The Scot became the first Briton to win the Wimbledon title in 77 years when he lifted his first Cup in 2013. He confessed that at that time pressure hovered over him to deliver glory back to Britain, however this time around things were different for him as he was able to relish in his victory in the final without concern for external stats.

“I felt happier this time, more content. Last time it was just pure relief, and I didn’t really enjoy the moment as much, whereas I’m going to make sure I enjoy this one,” said the 29-year-old. “I feel like this is for myself more than anything, and my team as well. We’ve all worked really hard to help get me in this position.”

Despite being crowned 2016 Wimbledon champion, Murray is likely keeping an eye on further success this year, with the US Open just around the corner (August 29 – September 11). But just like in the case with the green courts, Murray is the underdog for that tournament 4.50 (7/2), while defending champion Djokovic is deemed the favourite 1.80 (4/5) to lift the trophy, per online sportsbook Bet365. ATP’s No. 3 Federer is the third favourite 7.00 (6/1) to land the coveted title, while all the other stars are big outsiders: Stan Wawrinka 17.00 (16/1), Milos Raonic 21.00 (20/1), Rafael Nadal 21.00 (20/1) and Kei Nishikori 21.00 (20/1).

(For more info about the online sportsbook, check out Betting Herald’s Bet365 Sports Review.)