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Wimbledon 2012: How Britain fared
Pin ItHistory was made last weekend as Andy Murray ended Britain’s 74 year wait for a male Wimbledon singles finalist.
Murray overcame a nightmare draw to become the first British man to reach a Wimbledon final since Henry ‘Bunny’ Austin in 1938. However, a first British men’s title at SW19 since 1936 would not materialise as Roger Federer instead claimed his seventh Wimbledon title and seventeenth Grand Slam. Nevertheless, the record book alterations would not end there.
…ended Britain’s 76 year wait…
A day previously, Jonathan Marray had ended Britain’s 76 year wait for a Wimbledon men’s doubles champion as he and partner Frederik Nielsen completed the most remarkable of tournament victories. Wildcards for the draw, the pair defied all odds and went the distance, giving Britain a first men’s doubles champion since Fred Perry in 1936. Success at last.
Elsewhere, British hopefuls Jamie Ward and Oliver Golding received invaluable time on Centre Court against considerably higher ranking opponents. And though the pair suffered early exits, they will no doubt have taken a lot from the experience.
…suffered first-round disappointment…
On the women’s side, Heather Watson impressed with progression to the third round before succumbing to eventual runner-up Agnieszka Radwanska. However, Anne Keothavong and Elena Baltacha suffered first-round disappointment and so too did Laura Robson – though hers came in a more encouraging fashion. Robson took Francesca Schiavone to three sets and the 18 year old looks set to provide a bright future for British women’s tennis alongside Watson.
Next on the tennis calendar is the Olympics and this summer’s goings on at SW19 – Murray’s heroics especially – certainly boost the home nation’s medal hopes. And there is also a wider sense that British tennis is on the up.
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An aspiring sports journalist - I've seen the light, I don't want superficial riches. I want to be happy and report on sport for a living. Intern with Goal.com and Sports Editor at the Beaver. Write for a few sites, including this one :) so follow me on Twitter @TimothyPoole to see more!
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