AP/Darron Cummings
Andy Murray has become the US Open champion (AP/Darron Cummings)
The Scot made history after beating Novak Djokovic in a thrilling five-set US Open final at New York's Flushing Meadows.
The 25-year-old won his first grand slam at his fifth attempt - the same as his coach, Ivan Lendl - and the win makes him the first man to win Olympic singles gold and the US Open in the same year. Murray took his crown after a tempestuous four hours and 54 minutes of play, eventually winning the match 7-6, 7-5, 2-6, 3-6, 6-2.
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As the match ended Murray dropped to his haunches and held his head in his hands as the enormity of his achievement began to dawn on him. And after Djokovic graciously congratulated the victor, Murray finally accepted his first Grand Slam trophy, kissing the silverware and lifting it to the sky.
Speaking after the match, Murray said: "They were incredibly tricky conditions. After the third and fourth sets it was tough mentally - Novak is so strong, he fights until the end of every match and I don't know how I managed to come through in the end.
"That was almost a smile (from Ivan Lendl). He's one of greatest players ever to play, here he made eight consecutive finals. Having him here supporting me has helped in the tough moments, but not only him, everyone else too. They've been there since the start. Thanks very much."
After winning the first two sets of the match in very windy conditions, it looked like another chance was slipping through the Scot's fingers when the 2011 champion fought back to level at two sets all. At 5-2 up and with three championship points in Murray's favour, Djokovic hit a forehand over the baseline to give British tennis fans the win they have craved for so many years.
The victory has banished the 76 years of hurt and has finally ended Fred Perry's reign as Britain's last male grand slam singles champion. Perry, who won the last of his major titles at the US Open in 1936, could hardly have imagined it would take until 2012 before the feat would be matched.
Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond said: "Congratulations to Andy Murray on what was a fantastic performance. This is another brilliant win over Novak Djokovic and continues an amazing year for Andy. Now Olympic and US Open champion, Andy truly is a Scottish sporting legend and I'm certain that more grand slam titles will follow."
Prime Minister David Cameron hailed Murray's US Grand Slam win a "truly great victory" that continued the golden summer of sport.
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