Andy Murray Wimbledon: Andy rages way into final

Andy Murray argues with referee Andrew Jarrett over his decision to close the roof. Picture: PA

If he wins the final – his second appearance in as many years – Murray will become the first British man to lift the trophy since Fred Perry in 1936.

In a tense and closely fought contest Murray lost the first set on a tie-break but rallied to win the next three with a final score of 6-7(2) 6-4 6-4 6-3 in a match that lasted two hours 52 minutes.

The game started late, after an epic semi-final clash earlier, leading to a palpable increase of tension on Centre Court.

Murray’s frustration was obvious as the game was halted for 20 minutes after the third set when 22-year-old Janowicz complained about the dying light and insisted the roof was closed. BBC commentator and three times Wimbledon champion John McEnroe said he thought the game should have played on.

Murray complained to referee Andrew Jarrett saying: “I don’t understand the rules – you can’t close the roof now.

“It’s as light as you like. There’s at least 45 minutes of light left. Look at the score. Not one of the sets has taken that long.

“It’s not fair. He’s been complaining about [the light] for 40 minutes. It’s completely mad.”

Janowicz, ranked 24th in the world, also caused controversy by taking longer than the permitted game break tying his shoelaces and also made a challenge to a Murray serve.

However, Murray gained strength from the roars of the Centre Court crowd and broke the Polish player in the second set before going on to win the match with a stunning show of skill and endurance.

Murray’s girlfriend Kim Sears roared her support from the sidelines as did Janowicz’s glamorous partner Marta Damochowska.

Around 19,000 people gathered live at Wimbledon to watch the Scot in action last night – around 4,000 enjoying the sunshine on Murray Mount – while millions tuned in on TV.

Among those watching in Centre Court were actor Jude Law, editor of US Vogue Anna Wintour, comic James Corden and broadcaster David Frost.

Prince Andrew and Pippa Middleton were in the royal box.

Earlier in the afternoon on Centre Court, Djokovic defeated Argentine Juan Martine Del Potro in a close-fought five-set match lasting almost five hours – the longest semi final in Wimbledon history.

This year’s Wimbledon has been hit by a string of unexpected results – including the first round ousting of Rafael Nadal and the second round defeat of seven-times champion Roger Federer.

Fans are hoping tomorrow will not be a repeat of last year’s final – when Murray was reduced to tears after being beaten in four sets by Roger Federer.

However there are signs this will prove to be Murray’s year. The Scot became the first British man since 1938 to reach the Wimbledon final last year – while his US Open win in September last year made him the first British man to take a Grand Slam singles final since Perry won the same tournament back in 1936.