Murray claims first set

Andy Murray won his first ever set in a grand slam final by taking the opener 6-4 against Roger Federer in this afternoon's much-anticipated Wimbledon showpiece.

The world number four was bidding to become the first home winner of the men's singles since Fred Perry in 1936, and it really was the perfect start.

Murray broke the Federer serve twice on his way to taking the set 6-4.

Murray started strong and it was Federer making the simple errors and it cost him as a forehand volley over the baseline handed Murray a break in the opening game.

There was plenty on the line for Federer, too, who was looking to equal Pete Sampras' tally of seven Wimbledon titles and return to world number one.

The 30-year-old quickly settled and took his chance to level at 2-2, drawing a backhand error from Murray. The level was extremely high and Federer came through another tight game to move in front for the first time.

The Swiss was looking ominously good, his backhand working just as well as it had in his semi-final victory over Novak Djokovic.

He forced two break points in the eighth game but Murray held firm, finding the corner with a pinpoint volley on the second, and he got his rewards in the next game.

The fourth seed played a shot straight out of the book of his coach Ivan Lendl when he drilled a shot right at Federer's head, and Murray broke to lead 5-4 when his opponent netted a forehand.

The crowd were on their feet, and the home hope, the first British man in the final here since 1938, served it out confidently.