Andy Murray was unable to hold back the tears as he assessed his Wimbledon final defeat to Roger Federer on Sunday.
The Scot took the first set on Centre Court but was taken apart by the Swiss after that, gradually crumbling to a 3-1 defeat as Federer took a record-equalling seventh SW19 title.
The loss marked a fourth grand slam final defeat from as many attempts for Murray - three of them to Federer - and when addressing the crowd, he was unable to keep it together.
"I' m getting closer," he said, as his voice started breaking.
He then had to step away from the microphone for a minute before returning to say: "I'm gonna try. This is not going to be easy. Firstly I'd like to congratulate Roger.
"I was asked the other day: 'Is this your best chance, Roger is 30 now?'
"He's not bad for a 30-year-old. He played a great tournament. I know he had some struggles with his back, but he showed what fight he had. He deserves it.
"I'll try not to look at him as I'll start (crying) again. Thanks to everyone who has supported me. You did a great job. It's always tough.
"And last of all to the crowd. Everyone always talks about the pressure of playing a Wimbledon and how tough it is. It's not the people watching, you make it so much easier to play. The support has been incredible. Thank you."
For Federer, it was a 17th grand slam title and his first since he beat Murray in the Australian Open final in 2010.
Many had him down as a spent force owing to the emergence of Novak Djokovic as Rafael Nadal's great rival, but Federer had resoundingly redressed that and has now returned to the world number one spot he has not held since he surrendered it to Nadal three years ago.
He also had some kind words for Murray, saying: "He's done so well over the years and it (his tears) shows he cares so dearly about his tennis. He will win one grand slam at least. I hope so."
Of himself, Federer added: "I think I have played some of my best tennis in the last two matches. It's worked out here that I have played my best tennis in the semis and the final. I couldn't be more happy. It feels so familiar (to win) and it's a great moment."
His seventh Wimbledon title not only elevates him back to the top of the world rankings, but draws him level with the number of titles the great Pete Sampras won at the All England Club.
"It's amazing," Federer said. "It equals me with Pete who is my hero, and the world number one, they don't get gifted to you."
what do you think?
barry
Roger (I'm so wonderful) is a court genius and as Roger quotes I'm sure he will win ONE gram slam no I'm sure at 25 he will be win far more and is 5 yrs younger than R.F so will get his time and again long after he's retired, saying that thanks for putting on a great shoe for us , try to be more humble please on interview.
aa aa
In terms of tennis, Roger is actually entitled to think he is wonderful.Saying that Murray would win at least one grand slam (not gram slam), is a compliment . Murray may be trying his hardest, but he's just not good enough.RF can retire, knowing that the likes of 25 year old Murray will never ever come close to Rogers excellent record. Why he would be putting on a great shoe, is a bit of a strange thing to say. Unless you mean great SHOW.
Gavin Harrison
Fed is smug and is def not humble he's proved it in past interviews who cares what he's won the blokes an idiot
Mick Daniel
Murray, this isn't all about you. You lost and should have been more gracious without the hysteronics. The partisan crowd sickened me, not a thought for Roger Federer, who after all was just the winner. The English sickness of supporting the under-dog defines everything that is wrong with out culture.
Gavin Harrison
What an absolute sickening comment,of course the crowd are gunna support Murray he's British,Murray displayed emotion if you think he went over the top you were clearly watching something different,there's ppl like you give this country a bad name
Philip Anthony Thorne
i see what M.Daniel was getting at the guy is scottish first and he wants all to know that, fair enough for him, but lets put this competition in glasgow say, and see how many scots support an english player i say none. We English as a race have limited passion for our own identity.there is a difference between the English and the Celts we have far more in common with the french.Ask mr Murray who he was supporting the day England played italy and i know his honest answer.
Ian Harper
7:27pm on 8/7/2012
Great effort by Murray. He will end his wait for that first Grand Slam within the next year.
aa aa
10:34pm on 8/7/2012
For that to happen, there would have to be the same luck as he had this year. It's not likely.
Gavin Harrison
7:00am on 9/7/2012
Andy was Not lucky getting where he did this year and previous slam finals he's played so fantastic tennis over the last few weeks and is improving all the time he WILL win a slam