Andy Murray loses Wimbledon final to Swiss ace Roger Federer

Murray may have not won Wimbledon this year but he certainly won over the nation with a battling performance and an endearing speech that would touch even the most cold-hearted in middle class England. Criticised for his lack of emotion and dour like manner, the 25-year-old was often perceived as a stereotypical miserable Scot who had no personality.

But after his 4-6, 7-5, 6-3, 6-4 defeat to Roger Federer, the crowd and the 17 million viewers at home saw a very different side to Andy Murray. A player, who had given his all for two weeks and carried the proverbial hopes and expectations of a nation on his shoulders, had suddenly felt that enormous weight shift only to be replaced by the harsh reality of defeat which hit him harder than any serve he faced throughout the tournament.

Emotionally and physically drained, Murray gathered his last ounce of strength to give an overwhelming speech which left a lump in the throat. “I'm getting closer,” he said with a wry smile,  dry sense of humour still intact – and indeed he was. It was the first time in three major finals that he had taking a set - off the now - seven-time Wimbledon champion Roger Federer. But Murray, who previously in reaching the final  had spoken with such poise,  robotic in its delivery, like he was serving up an ace on court, was unable to contain himself any longer. Emotional though he was when he lost the Australian Open final back in 2010, this pulled at the heart strings of everyone watching, as Murray desperately tried to fight back the tears while lamenting how much the tournament and the support of the home fans meant to him.

It was compelling as it was sad watching the Scot breakdown in front of the nation, the Centre Court crowd reciprocating his tearful outburst, his and their genuine raw emotion being displayed. It was the appropriate conclusion to an enthralling final. Pure sporting theatre.

But for a while in this match, it looked as though it would be tears of joy for Murray as he took control of the early exchanges against Federer, who started rather nervously. Murray instantly broke the Swiss maestro in the first game and wrapped up the first set in just under an hour. The British No.1 could have and should have took the second set but Federer, who had awoken from his slow start, played some wonderful shots to get himself back into the final.

Heartbreak: Swiss master comforts tearful Scot

Rain threatened as black clouds ominously gathered over the top of Centre Court, the momentum was beginning to shift towards the 30-year-old Swiss. It was not long before play was delayed and the final would be played indoors. Advantage Federer. The third set was played under the roof and perhaps the best game of the match was witnessed, lasting a whole twenty minutes. Federer eventually took the game, and with it, control of the third set. The Swiss eventually took it 6-3, before wrapping up the fourth 6-4 and equalling Pete Sampras' record of seven Wimbledon titles.

It was another devastating loss for the Scot his fourth defeat in a major final and his third against Roger Federer, but Murray, who was clearly hurt by the result, still showed a sense of humour.

He joked: “First I'd like to congratulate Roger. He's 30 now, he's not bad for a 30-year-old.” It was Federer's day yet again but for Murray his attention will now turn to the Olympic Games in two weeks' time where he will be going for gold, can he have the last laugh?