Dubai: Gulf News’ British readers expressed delight at Andy Murray’s historic victory at Wimbledon over world number one Novak Djokovic on Sunday.
Keith Lupton, a Dubai resident, was fascinated by the “auspicious numbers” that stand out in the achievement.
He said: “Fred Perry was the last British player to win Wimbledon in 1936. Murray won Wimbledon after 77 years on July 7. Isn’t that interesting? The victory is superb news. But, it was the numbers that caught my attention.”
As a child, Lupton said he had owned a Fred Perry racket.
He said: “When it comes to sport, I follow anything British. I turn into a bit of a patriot. The British and Irish Lions did well at rugby [after beating Australia 2-1 in their three-Test series]. I just hope England can win the Ashes, too.”
Terry Vaughan, a Sharjah resident, was impressed by the level of fitness both players had displayed in the final.
He said: “The incredible fitness and tennis from both sides made for a delightful final. The victory for Murray was great. He never gave up and was always determined to win. Over the years, he has continued to get better. And he has finally gotten his breakthrough. At the end of the day it is dedication and determination that lead to a victory.”
Vaughan hopes that this win will provide encouragement for more youngsters in Britain to get involved in professional tennis.
He said: “We haven’t had too many people in the UK playing tennis. In sport, if someone reaches the pinnacle it encourages youngsters. We have to hope that more people take up tennis and the UK gives birth to more victors. But, it will take time to see results.”
Kate Smith Shanahan, a Dubai resident, called Murray’s triumph an “amazing achievement”.
She said: “It is obviously something to be proud of; a bit of happy news for the Britons. It’s Murray’s determination that got him through. I cannot forget the look on his face during the previous Wimbledon final [when he lost to Roger Federer last year] when he didn’t make it. I think that loss gave him extra grit this year.”
Shanahan, however, expressed concern that young children at schools in the UK are missing out on proper tennis exposure. “There aren’t enough facilities. With any sport, you need to practice. Many young boys are going into football because all you need is a ground and a ball. On the other hand, tennis requires a court and you need proper coaching. It is expensive. If it was taught properly in schools and children were able to access it with ease, we would see more professional players.”
