Murray Finds Perfect Time to Shine

A month after his heartbreaking loss to Roger Federer in the Wimbledon final, Andy Murray showed he has it in him to win the big matches, thrashing the Swiss to win the Olympic gold medal in front of an ecstatic home crowd. 

The Briton produced a sensational display from start to finish, blowing Federer off the court to finally achieve the British dream and fulfill the heavy expectations that laid on his shoulders. Coming off his marathon victory over del Potro in the semis, the Swiss had no fight left in his tank, being beaten 2-6,1-6,4-6 in what should have been the completion of his life long dream, the individual Olympic gold medal.

"This is the biggest win of my life," said Murray after winning the biggest title of his career. "This is the best way to come back from the Wimbledon final ... I felt so fresh."

Having fallen in four Grand Slam finals, Murray shows some winning spirit to delight the home nation with a galactic triumph that confirms him as a tennis champion. It remains to be seen if the Briton can now fulfill his potential and win that elusive Slam. Federer might have been under the weather, but the newly found mental strength can propel Murray as a serious contender for the number 1 ranking. I said it once and I stress it again, but I think Andy is better than Djokovic, so seeing the Serb achieve such an outstanding 2011 season, I am positive Murray's time to shine will come soon.
Murray added a silver medal to his tally, teaming up with teenager Laura Robson to advance to the mix doubles final. The British tandem, who needed an IFT wildcard to make it into the draw, delighted the home crowd with some inspired play. Although they've won the first set 6-2, they ended up losing the gold medal to the experienced Victoria Azarenka and Max Mirnyi.

In a rather surprising order, the men's singles podium featured Juan Martin del Potro, bronze, Roger Federer, silver and Andy Murray, the gold medal winner. 

Besides his success in singles, Andy Murray teamed up with 18 year old Laura Robson to claim silver in mixed doubles. The duo lost the final to Belorussians Victoria Azarenka and Max Mirnyi.

photos: GETTY IMAGES