The sporting world rallied around Andy Murray as Wimbledon officials started to repair the courts that host the Olympic tennis tournament in less than three weeks.
Amazingly, eight of the Championships courts were last night seeded with specially germinated grass that has been produced to accelerate the healing process and ensure the most famous courts in the world are ready for the Games.
The process of healing Murray’s hurt at failing to win his first Grand Slam at the fourth attempt could take longer but Philip Brook, the All England Club chairman, made a special point of praising the British No1 before he handed over replica trophies to the singles champions Roger Federer and Serena Williams at last night’s Champions Dinner in London
“Although he isn’t here, I thought we might show our appreciation to Andy Murray,” said Brook, drawing several seconds of loud applause. “Andy played a great match.”
Sportsmen and women from many fields went on Twitter to add their praise for Murray.
Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand was among the sports stars in the Centre Court crowd. He tweeted: “Well done
@andy-murray no disgrace losing to the best that ever played tennis
. . . great final to have been at.”
Rory McIlroy, last year’s US Open golf champion, posted:
“@andy-murray did himself, his family and his nation proud. His time will come for sure!”
Also from the world of golf, Tiger Woods, was just as impressed. The 14-time Major champion tweeted: “Hats off to Murray for a great fight. But we saw why Fed is the #GOAT (Greatest of all time).”
Olympic cyclist and fellow Scot Sir Chris Hoy wrote: “Hard luck to Andy Murray. He’ll get there eventually and it’ll be all the sweeter when he does.”
Jamie Murray, the former Wimbledon mixed doubles champion, went on Twitter to praise his brother and thank fans.
He wrote: “He may not have won but he is a champion. And to be able to stand up after all of that and make a speech shows what kind of person he is. Thank you everyone for their support and kind words about Andy. It has been overwhelming. His day is coming.”
