Murray targets more slam success

Andy Murray is looking forward to defending his US Open title
9 July 2013

Andy Murray has vowed to use the Wimbledon title as motivation to try to add to his haul of grand slam trophies.

The 26-year-old followed up last summer's US Open triumph by ending Britain's 77-year wait for a Wimbledon men's singles champion on Sunday, defeating world number one Novak Djokovic 6-4 7-5 6-4.

"I hope I don't lose hunger. I should be able to use this for motivation," said Murray, who also won Olympic gold last year. "I know what it's like losing in a Wimbledon final and I know what it's like winning one, and it's a lot better winning. The hard work is worth it."

He added: "I just need to make sure I don't get sidetracked by anything after the next few days. Yes enjoy it and celebrate, then go away, rest up and get ready for the US Open. I've never had to defend a grand slam before, that will be a new experience for me, and I look forward to that."

Murray's triumph should present a golden opportunity to grow tennis in this country, but the chances of another British man following in his footsteps any time soon appear remote.

The Scot tries to stay away from the annual hoopla around the championships but hopes Wimbledon will now be seen as a British sporting triumph rather than a fortnight of soul-searching.

"I know how long it's been, there's been a lot of close calls," he said. "Tim (Henman) obviously got close a few times, I'd got close a few times, so to have finally done it, I think it'll be nice that as a nation we don't have to look at Wimbledon as a negative, it can be viewed as a positive, and I just hope it's not another 70-odd years."

There has already been talk about Murray being awarded a knighthood in the New Year Honours, with Prime Minister David Cameron, who was in the Royal Box for the final, saying: "I can't think of anyone who deserves one more."

Murray was awarded an OBE following his Olympic and US Open triumphs, and is not sure he deserves so big an upgrade just yet.

He said: "It's a nice thing to have or be offered. I think just because everyone's waited for such a long time for this, that's probably why it will be suggested, but I don't know if it merits that."

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