The men’s singles tournament at Wimbledon finishes with something of a dream final, featuring one player attempting to elevate himself to higher levels than anyone has achieved, while the other attempts to finally pull his country off the mat. Whether it is British hope No. 4 Andy Murray or 16-time champion No. 3 Roger Federer who hoists the trophy when all is said and done today, history will be made.
No British man has won any Grand Slam singles title since Fred Perry won Wimbledon in 1936 — 76 years ago. Beyond the national drama, you may have heard (and hear again several times before the day is done), there is plenty at stake for Murray as an individual as well. As collateral damage of the so-called “Golden Era” of men’s tennis in which he plays, which has starred Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic, Murray has for several years held the title of best player not to have won a Slam. He has come achingly close, reaching three previous finals and an additional six semifinals. But Wimbledon is where Murray’s tennis has been its most reliable, and clearly this match represents his best opportunity so far.
Federer and Switzerland are suffering through a drought of their own, though not nearly as daunting. Federer hasn’t won a Grand Slam since the 2010 Australian Open, the longest drought of Federer’s since he won his first Grand Slam at Wimbledon 2003. A win would bump Federer back to No. 1 for the first time since 2010, and would also equal Pete Sampras’ record of seven Wimbledon titles.
Murray leads the head-to-head matches between the two, 8-7, with all 15 matches coming on hard courts, but Federer has won both of their previous two meetings at Grand Slam tournaments, sweeping both the 2008 U.S. Open final and the 2010 Australian Open final in straight sets.
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