Andy Murray beats Milos Raonic for second Wimbledon title

 

Wimbledon (CNN)Andy Murray ended 77 years of British angst when he won Wimbledon in 2013. It didn't take the Scot anywhere near as long to collect a second title at tennis' most beloved tournament.

Murray cruised past big-serving Milos Raonic 6-4 7-6 (7-3) 7-6 (7-2) in southwest London on Sunday to register a third grand slam title overall and first since downing Novak Djokovic at the All England Club three years ago.

"I feel happier this time," Murray told reporters. "I feel, yeah, more content this time. I feel like this was sort of more for myself more than anything, and my team as well. We've all worked really hard to help get me in this position.

"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 more than the others."

When the aforementioned Djokovic -- currently the most dominant men's tennis player on the planet -- was unexpectedly sent packing in the third round by Sam Querrey, the second-ranked Murray became the prohibitive favorite.

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He came through and while he didn't have to confront any of the "Big Four," it would be harsh to suggest he didn't merit the success: This was Murray's third grand slam final of the season. He has, no doubt, been men's tennis' second best performer in 2016.
With his victory, the 29-year-old avoided becoming the first man in the Open Era to lose the opening three grand slam finals in a season.
His coach, Ivan Lendl, is one of only two men to have lost more grand slam finals than Murray's eight but he won a lot, too, picking up eight majors.
Just how much the retired great aided his charge in the past month only Murray knows but the record will show that the usually expressionless Lendl -- who rejoined Team Murray in June after a split in 2014 -- has been in Murray's corner for all three of his grand slam titles. Murray is, however, visibly calmer with the American around.