Andy Murray’s first Wimbledon final ended in heartbreak – reducing him, his wife and his adoring fans to tears inside Centre Court.
The 37-year-old started off brilliantly against Roger Federer in the 2012 final, before losing in four sets against the Swiss legend.
It was his fourth Gram Slam final defeat in a row, and the third he had lost against Federer, who had prevailed at the US Open in 2008 and the Australian Open in 2011.
Murray had been carrying the hopes of every Brit to end their 76-year wait for a men’s winner at Wimbledon since Fred Perry in 1936.
But he came out second best in a bravely fought thriller, with the Scotsman failing to contain his emotions in his post-match interview.
He said: “All right, I’m going to try this, but it’s not going to be easy.”
It was at that point where the Dunblane native had to pause to wipe away his tears, with his wife Kim looking just as emotional in the stands.
As teary-eyed fans inside Centre Court and on Henman Hill clapped and cheered in unison, Murray continued his speech after composing himself.
He added: “OK, firstly I’d like to congratulate Roger. I was getting asked the other day after I won my semi-finals, ‘Oh is this your best chance?’
“Roger is 30 now, and he’s not bad for a 30-year-old, he played a great tournament, I know he had some struggles early on with his back.
“He showed what fight he still has in him, so congratulations, you deserve it.
“I’m going to try and not look at them [his family], because I’ll start crying again.
“But everyone that’s in the corner over there that’s supported me through this tournament, it’s always tough and we did a great job, so thank you.”
He then turned his attention to his adoring fans, with Murray again fighting through tears to express his gratitude.
The two-time Olympics gold medallist stated: “And last of all to you guys.
“Everybody always talks about the pressure of playing at Wimbledon, how tough it is.
“But it’s not the people watching, they make it so much easier to play, the support has been incredible, so thank you.”
Murray turned his tears of sadness to tears of joy just weeks later as he swatted aside Federer to claim Olympic gold on the same court before beating Novak Djokovic in the 2012 US Open final to win his maiden Grand Slam.
And he then scooped Wimbledon glory in 2013, where he again beat Djokovic in the final to become the first Brit in the Open Era to win at SW19.
In 2016 he added a second Wimbledon title to his trophy cabinet – this time emerging victorious over Milos Raonic.
But he will not be partaking in the iconic grass tournament singles event this year having withdrawn from his first round clash to focus on playing doubles with brother Jamie in what could be his final Wimbledon appearance.