Andy Murray beaten by Roger Federer in final

London: Andy Murray`s bid to win Wimbledon was ended by Roger Federer as the Swiss claimed a record-equalling seventh SW19 triumph and 17th Grand Slam title.

Murray, 25, was aiming to become the first British man since Fred Perry in 1936 to lift a major singles trophy.

But 30-year-old Federer won 4-6 7-5 6-3 6-4 on Centre Court to match the mark set by Pete Sampras and reclaim the world number one ranking.

A tearful Murray has now lost all four of his Grand Slam finals.

He was the first Briton to contest the Wimbledon men`s singles final since Bunny Austin in 1938, but fell just short of the ultimate goal.

"Everybody always talks about the pressure of playing at Wimbledon, but it`s not the people watching - they make it incredible," said a tearful Murray in the wake of his defeat.

"There are mixed emotions. Most of them are negative. The reaction from the crowd was great. I felt like I was playing for the nation and I couldn`t quite do it."

BDST: 001226 HRS, July 9, 2012
SA