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The howls of delight could not have been louder nor the level of ecstasy higher as Andy Murray swept away 77 years of Wimbledon hurt yesterday.

And when Novak Djokovic smashed a return into the net to hand the crown to a Brit for the first time since Fred Perry in 1936, Centre Court went wild, along with pubs, clubs and homes across the land packed with millions witnessing tennis history.

Murray ended the long wait for a home-grown champion in style with a thrilling straight sets win over his Serbian rival – in a performance as dazzling as the London sun.

As the pair baked in temperatures of up to 40C, the level of expectation rose with a string of blistering sets from the 26-year-old Scot that edged him closer to his dream.

(Image: Julian Finney)

And when that finally became a reality, Murray fell to his knees in utter joy before racing to the ­enclosure where his mum Judy, 53, dad Will, 58, girlfriend Kim Sears, 25, 53-year-old coach Ivan Lendl and fellow Scot Sir Chris Hoy, 37, sat watching him become a legend.

Afterward, beaming Murray said: “I can’t believe it. I ­understand how much everyone else wanted to see a British winner at Wimbledon. I’m so glad to finally do it. I hope you guys enjoyed it, I did my best.”

Then, in a moment of classic ­understatement after sweeping aside the world number one, he added: “I just managed to squeeze through.”

Murray later told his army of fans he was still in shock, tweeting: “Can’t believe what’s just happened!!!!!!!”

The newly crowned champ scooped £1.6million in prize money but is now expected to net a further fortune in future sponsorship deals worth up to a possible £100million.

(Image: Pool)

But in all the excitement, Murray forgot to hug his mum after climbing into the family box – in what has now become something of a tradition at the SW19 club. After embracing the others he made off back to the court to collect his cup – but then remembered the woman who has been a constant support throughout his journey to the history books and rushed back.

He said later: “I did forget her, I just heard squealing behind me when I was trying to get down and I

turned back.”

As tributes poured in for Murray and his incredible ­achievement after so many years of trying, Judy told how she had been left an “emotional wreck” and said she was shaking throughout the three-hour match.

She added: “I feel very proud of him. That has just got to be the best feeling ever, to watch your son win Wimbledon. This is the thing he has talked about winning since he was a little boy playing tennis and of course it was a dream that has suddenly become a reality for him.”

Tributes from the world of tennis were led by Murray’s opponent, who displayed graciousness in defeat. Djokovic, 26, said: “Congratulations to Andy, you absolutely deserve this win, you played incredible tennis.”

He said he was aware of the ­pressure on his rival, and added: “That makes his success even bigger.”

As Murray celebrated by taking Kim to the champions ball at London’s Park Lane Intercontinental hotel, former British number one Tim Henman backed him to go on and win even more grand slams. The 38-year-old said: “It’s a ­remarkable ­achievement for him and something we are proud of. Andy had this belief in his heart of hearts that he would win it.

“He had some huge disappointment with losing 12 months ago but deep down he knew he could do this.”

And the son of Fred Perry said nobody would be more chuffed to have seen Murray finally break the 77-year Wimbledon taboo than the former champ – who died in 1995 aged 85.

David Perry, 69, said: “I’m thrilled for Andy. I thought he played wonderful tennis. He finally got what he always wanted and what he so richly deserved. Am I upset over the legacy being broken? No, not really.

“It had been 77 years and no one would be more happy than dad to see a Brit win. He would be so thrilled.” Murray’s best mate Ross Hutchins, 28, who has spoken of the support he has had from the Scot since he was diagnosed with cancer, watched him win from the players’ box.

He said: “I’m ecstatic. I am so pleased for him.”

Murray and Djokovic were greeted with a standing ovation when they took to the court at 2pm. As the match wore on, the searing heat seemed to get to the players, with both putting on white hats.

The atmosphere among the crowd and those watching outside on Murray Mound was electric. Fans screamed “We love you” and “You can do it, Andy” as he went about his quest for a glory like a man possessed. Celebrities in the royal box including Manchester Utd star Wayne Rooney and wife Coleen, both 27, Victoria Beckham, 39, and actors Gerard Butler, 43, and Bradley Cooper, 38. David Cameron, sat with his mother Mary in the front row.

Scottish first minister Alex Salmond appeared to break Wimbledon rules by waving a large Saltire flag in the royal box. Shadow Scotland Office minister Willie Bain branded the move a political “stunt”.