AT TWO sets down, and with his opponent serving for the match, Andy Murray was staring defeat in the face.
But the Scot's survival instinct kicked in and with one of the greatest Wimbledon comebacks he beat Frenchman Richard Gasquet to claim a quarter-final spot.
And with his courageous performance there is little doubt now that Murray, seeded 12t
h, has sealed his place in the SWI9 faithful's affections.
Until last night, Murray had found the hallowed stands of the All England Club somewhat reluctant to encourage him.
As he progressed towards the business end of Wimbledon, the crowd reaction has been noticeably reserved, at least when compared with the raucous cheering afforded to previous British contenders.
Britishness, however, has never been a notion readily associated with the 21-year-old from Dunblane, and in the resolutely English environs of SW19, it may offer an explanation for his lukewarm reception.
Yesterday, the cultural commentator Tony Parsons even described Murray as "one of those characters who genuinely dislike England and the English".
A leading expert in the relationship between sport and politics yesterday suggested that Murray's personality traits – stubbornness, a volatile temperament, and a fierce will to win – may serve to reinforce age-old Scottish stereotypes that jar with the sedate, traditional world of Wimbledon.
Lincoln Allison, emeritus reader in politics at the University of Warwick and visiting professor in the politics of sport at the University of Brighton, said: "Andy Murray is a very different kind of man and style of tennis player to Tim Henman. Henman was an English gent. He embodied all the old virtues, and was a good loser.
"Murray, on the other hand, is a sullen character, who is prone to rages. It goes against the grain when it comes to what Britain expects of its sportsmen and women, and reinforces the dour Scots idea."
Ever since posting a good-natured take on who he would be supporting during the World Cup in 2006 – "anyone but England" – Murray has stood accused of harbouring anti-English sentiments.
He has sought to play down the issue, in recent weeks making mention of the fact that both his maternal grandmother, Shirley Erskine, and current girlfriend, Kim Sears, are of English birth.
But it was last night's gutsy performance rather than the PR offensive that finally won the hearts of the crowd.
When he finally took the lead he had the 15,000 spectators on their feet and for the first time this year chants of "Murray, Murray" rang loudly around Centre Court.
And after hitting a thundering serve to win the match shortly before 9:30pm, Murray flexed his bicep at the capacity crowd on Centre Court and roared in triumph.
Ms Sears and Murray's mother, Judy, led the fans, leaping and cheering every point he won and burying their faces in their hands when he smashed the ball into the net.
And outside on Murray Mount, formerly Henman Hill, the tension was unbearable throughout the deciding fifth set – 4,000 spectators held their breath for every serve, and went wild when Murray finally triumphed.
Bob Murphy, 57, from Wimbledon, said: "Unbelievable, just unbelievable.
"You can forget (Tim] Henman now – we can finally put him to rest. It was like watching a British institution being made."
Clearly delighted with the reaction, Murray said last night: "That was the best moment I've ever had on a tennis court.
"To come back from two sets to love and win it is an awesome feeling. The crowd got behind me just when I needed it, and to have them behind me was a privilege."
Crowd on a roller-coaster ride as Scot snatches victory from jaws of defeat5:23pm – Murray enters to huge acclaim and responds with wave. Precious few empty seats on Centre Court.
5:27pm – Press box nearly full – unusual at Wimbledon. No obvious Scottish fans in crowds – the painted Saltire faces of Saturday are absent – but plenty of Australians have stayed on after Lleyton Hewitt match. Seem to be on Murray's side.
5:32pm – faces Gasquet's first serve, and returns into net. "Ohhhaaw," from the crowd.
5:34pm – 40-15 down – first screech of "C'mon Andy!".
5:36pm – Murray makes a strange challenge on a first serve called out. Muffled bafflement from spectators. Hawk Eye proves call was good.
5:57 First Murray double fault – collective groan.
6:22pm – Murray saves break point with a double-handed backhand down line. First fist clench of evening to cheers.
But outcome has only been delayed and Murray is broken and loses first set 5-7. Fans muted.
6:26pm – Mexican Wave ripples around Centre Court. Not a good sign; crowd beginning to lose interest?
6:35pm – First "C'mon Tim!" of the day as Murray loses third straight game of second set.
6:49pm Gasquet takes 4-1 lead in second set – crowd flat.
7:06pm – Crowd get second wind as Murray battles to save second set, but Gasquet claims it. Murray warned for use of swear word.
7:20pm – Struggling to get nose in front and crowd pumped up.
7:43pm Murray saves break point at 4-4 in third set. Crowd respond with the loudest cheer since the first set, and Murray shakes his fist in salute.
7:47pm Murray holds three break points after successful challenge. Crowd whipped up into a ferment for possibly the first time in evening. Centre Court described by commentator Andrew Castle as a bit of a "Colosseum". Double-fault from Gasquet sends them wild. Murray back in it.
7:58pm Australian fans urging the British fans on – though they need little encouragement. Explosion of joy as Murray takes 6-5 lead in third set. Shakes his fist to crowd after returning to seat.
8:09pm Tie-break. Murray takes another step in a stirring comeback with an emphatic 7-3 victory and the fans – now firmly back on his side – are out of their seats after a backhand winner from a seemingly impossible position.
The full article contains 1006 words and appears in The Scotsman newspaper.
