Andy Murray clinches Queen's title
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.British number one Andy Murray came from a set down to beat Jo-Wilfried Tsonga 3-6 7-6 (7/2) 6-4 and win the rain-delayed AEGON Championships final at Queen's Club this afternoon.
Following yesterday's washout, tournament organisers had made tickets available to the general public - with thousands being snapped up on Sunday night and the remainder all sold at £10 each well ahead of the 12:40 start to ensure a patriotic atmosphere at the west London venue.
However, it was not the opening their capacity crowd of nearly 7,000 had been hoping for as number five seed Tsonga showed great composure to take the opening set 6-4 against the 2009 champion.
Murray, the world number four and tournament second seed, had been sublime in his semi-final demolition of Andy Roddick and slowly grew in composure, but was finding Tsonga a determined opponent.
The athleticism of the Frenchman - who beat Englishman James Ward in their last-four clash - was impressive, diving to volley back Murray's own improvised return from between his legs at the baseline as an epic second set eventually went to a tie-break.
Murray, though, was finding his range as he moved 5-2 ahead before closing out the set 7-6 (7/2) to level the match.
The Scot forced a break chance in the third game of the final set, but Tsonga, 26, refused to capitulate and again dug deep to hold.
There was little to choose between the two men, who met in the quarter-finals at Wimbledon last year, as the decider moved towards a tense conclusion.
The crowd found their voice again as Murray finally broke Tsonga's resistance to lead 3-2 and then pushed further ahead with the Queen's Centre Court bathed in sunshine.
The 24-year-old was now beginning to showboat, producing another drop-shot through his legs as he took control of the match for the first time at 5-3.
Murray secured the championship by holding his next service game to love, completing the comeback 3-6 7-6 (7/2) 6-4 in just short of two-and-a-half hours.
"It was an unbelievable week for me," Murray said. "I started off not playing great but managed to find my way through, and the last two matches were so much fun."
As for his next big challenge, Murray said: "I really look forward to Wimbledon. It's been great preparation this week and I'll work hard the next five or six days to get ready."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments