Andy Murray v Roger Federer – Wimbledon men's final as it happened

Crowds queue at Wimbledon to see the final between 
Andy Murray and Roger Federer
 Fred Perry and Gottfried von Cramm. Photograph: Fox Photos/Getty Images

Afternoon all. Despite being in the eye of the biggest storm in British tennis for three quarters of a century, Andy Murray seems calm. He seems composed. He seems collected.

After wiping away a tear or two following his outrageous winning forehand in his semi-final against Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, he refocused almost immediately. Wiser for his three grand slam final defeats, he told the assembled press that the job wasn't yet finished, there was still another match to go.

"It's not the end of the tournament," he said. "The time for celebrating comes when I'm done. It wasn't like I was jumping around the locker room with excitement. I can't allow myself to think about winning. It's not really beneficial."

It could easily have been Ivan Lendl talking. Murray had his Lendl face on. Although he and his coach might have afforded themselves a little smile in private, knowing that here is a chance to win Wimbledon without having to meet Rafael Nadal or Novak Djokovic.

But Roger Federer is Roger Federer. He might not be the player he was a few years ago, he hasn't added to his 16 grand slams since breaking Murray's heart for the second time in a major final at the 2010 Australian Open, but he is still the greatest of them all. Federer isn't the home player but Centre Court is his turf too; victory will see him draw level with Pete Sampras's record of seven Wimbledon titles. Plus he was in superlative touch against Djokovic on Friday.

A nation doesn't expect this afternoon, because we know – and Murray knows – that Federer is the slight favourite. But a nation hopes. And what's the harm in hoping?

Play gets under way at: 2pm BST. The great British summer might not be in attendance. It's pelting it down at the moment and the roof is on.

A good omen. The last Brit to win a singles title at Wimbledon was Virginia Wade in 1977, also a Jubilee year.
A bad omen. The last British man to win Wimbledon was Fred Perry all the way back in 1936, lest we need reminding.
And a downright ugly omen. The last British man to reach the final was Bunny Austin in 1938. He lost 6-1, 6-0, 6-3.

In a nod to Murray's love of boxing, here's the tale of the tape:
Murray-Federer
25 Age 30
6ft 3in Height 6ft 1in
13st 3lb Weight 13st 5lb
4 World ranking 3
22 Career titles 74
0 Grand slam titles (need we say) 16
4 Grand slam finals 24
8 Wins in previous meetings 7

In the blue corner: Coach Ivan Lendl, mother Judy, girlfriend Kim Sears, hitting partner Dani Vallverdu, fitness trainer Jez Green, physio Andy Ireland, management team Simon Fuller, Robert Dodds, Louise Irving, Matt Gentry and Sharon Ely.

In the red corner: Coach Paul Annacone, wife Mirka, mother Lynette and father Robert.

12.59pm: "Fair warning," emails Ian Copestake. "By putting Andy in the blue corner you have alienated all Liverpool and Manchester United fans. Not only that but the only person now following him with any fervour is Gary Naylor."

Prediction time. But wait, we can add John McEnroe and Tim Henman to the blue corner too, because they're predicting a Murray win this afternoon. Pete Sampras, Boris Becker and Chris Evert are in the red corner, while Greg Rusedski and Pat Cash are somewhere in the middle (I guess that makes it the purple corner?) My mathematic opinion is that it's about 55:45 in Federer's favour, perhaps 60:40 if the roof stays on (it is starting to brighten up), because Federer loves playing indoors. But there's no doubt Murray has a far greater chance than he had in his three previous grand slam finals, and the strength of national support could see him through.

What do the players themselves think?
Murray: "It's a massive challenge to win against Roger in the final of a slam. He's obviously one of the greatest players ever to have played. He's very, very tough to beat here. It's a great challenge, one where I'm probably not expected to win the match, but one that, if I play well, I'm capable of winning. I just need to try and make sure I play a perfect match."
Federer: "I know how good Andy is. Despite the two grand slam finals I've won against him, I've had my tough losses with him as well. There's a lot on the line for me. Now I have a chance at world No1 and the title again all at once. So it's a big match for me and I hope I can keep my nerves. I'm sure I can."

1.15pm: "Hi Katy," chirps Simon McMahon. "Don't know about you but I'm ridiculously excited about this afternoon's final. Andy will of course not be letting any of the hype get to him and will have his game face on already, maybe sharing jokes with Lendl, and Roger is well, Roger, but enough of the players - how do you think Andy's mum and dad are feeling right now?" I'm sure if you asked Murray that question, he'd tell you he couldn't care one jot, but here's your answer Simon: "What to wear? Decisions, decisions. Where's Trinny n Susannah when u need them?"ponders Judy on Twitter.

1.25pm: The piece of grass formerly known as Henman Hill has never seen anything like this. It's brutal out there, it's a case of Union Jack and umbrella wielding survival of the fittest. Sue Barker claims some fans have been camping all week to get a ground pass.

Tactics time. What does Murray need to do? He can't afford to sit back and counter-attack, he's got to play aggressive and take some risks. In his previous grand slam finals he let Federer and Djokovic dictate too much of the play and if he retreats again today he can expect the same result. He must also serve smart and target his opponent's backhand; although he's had a lot of success with his slice this fortnight, which stays low on the grass, if he can get the ball up high to Federer's backhand he will cause problems like Rafael Nadal does.

Stat attack. According to the nifty IBM SlamTracker, Murray must have a first-serve percentage over 68% and an aggressive ratio of more than 1.6. Federer, meanwhile, must win more than 26% of first-serve return points and more than 57% of points after a rally of nine or more strokes. So there you go.

1.41pm: After the rain, the skies are blue, the sun is shining and the roof is off. Even the gods appear to be on Murray's side.

1.44pm: We've got around 15 minutes before the players come out, so here's some pre-match entertainment. Unfortunately YouTube comes up short on the "Fred Perry 1936" search, but hopefully his 1934 Wimbledon win will do instead. Or here's comedian Dave Cribb's recording of "The Ballad of Andrew" to commemorate today. Take your pick.

A quick Royal Box roll-call. David Cameron? Check. Alex Salmond? Check. The Duchess of Cambridge? Check. Sister Pippa? Check. Boris Johnson? Check. Rod Laver? Check. David and Victoria Beckham? Check and check. The Queen? Sadly absent. Apparently Her Majesty has a prior engagement.

Your predictions.

"I expect Federer to use his slightly better skills and the extra zip on his punches to negate Murray's jab and defence and score a late-rounds knockout, sometime in the fourth or fifth set," writes Andrew Mullinder.

"I can't really believe that Murray can do it (despite the omens of Marray winning yesterday and the jubilee stuff) so I'm just hoping for a good, even match," says Lizz Poulter. "Five sets, a couple of tie-breaks, maybe 14-12 in the fifth. THAT would make it all worthwhile. Oh, and all this b*****ks about the jubilee - what about 2002 - which Brit won then? Thought not."

"Stuck in a hot kitchen at work dreaming of SW1," chirps Christopher Lee. "I have a sneaky suspicion that Andy might win purely because I can't watch it. Ah life."

1.58pm: Here the players come, weaving and winding their way through the corridors of the All England Club. Federer is a few steps ahead; hopefully not a sign of things to come. What a walk for Murray. His heart must be pounding. Not that you'd know it. Racket in hand, he's already got his game face on. That Lendl face.

2.00pm: As the clock strikes two, the players walk on to court. A goose-bump moment as a one-minute standing ovation follows. There's not a spare £5000 seat in the house. The camera pans in on Kate and Pippa for the first of 673 times this afternoon. It'll be interesting to see how the crowd reacts during this one; they'll perhaps be a little more torn with Murray playing Federer, because there is such affection for the six-times champion. A few loyalties may be divided. But he seems to get the louder cheer as he walks to the baseline to begin his warm-up.

Tik, tok, tik, tok, tik, tok, tikity tok, they're warming up. This is where I'd usually describe the players' garish outfits. But because it's Wimbledon, of course they're wearing white. Though Murray does have some red go-faster Adidas stripes on his shirt. The rebel.

2.05pm: Andrew Gladwin chips in with a late good omen: "A Brit didn't win Wimbledon in the Golden Jubilee year but an Aussie (Hewitt) did. And she's Queen of Australia too (much as the Aussies hate it). So the jubilee should still be a good omen for Murray (she isn't queen of Switzerland yet)." I like your logic Andrew.

It's time. Are you ready? Let's play.

First set: *Murray 1-0 Federer (*denotes next server)
Federer won the toss and has opted to serve. The key for Murray here is to get off to a good start. In his previous three grand slam finals he started rather tentatively and never really recovered. This time he does come out firing, with two piercing backhands. 30-all. Federer goes long on the next point and already Murray has a break point. What's the catch here? Federer looks for all the world like he's going to bury a smash but he wildly slashes it long! So much for a slow start from Murray, Federer is the nervous one right now.

First set: Murray 2-0 Federer* (*denotes next server)
Murray is in a little hole at 15-30, but he opens up on the forehand side, pinging a winner down the line. 30-all. Every point Murray wins here is being greeted with rapturous Centre Court applause, but then someone screams "I LOVE YOU ROGER" just to even things out a little. A baseline duel at 40-30, and it's Murray who eventually prevails as Federer goes high and wide. This is all going rather well, isn't it? Who would know Murray has the weight of Britain and history on his shoulders, it's Federer who looks tense.

First set: *Murray 2-1 Federer (*denotes next server)
Every shot seems to be hitting the sweet spot of Murray's racket at the moment. Another forehand winner, 0-15. But signs that Federer is just starting to find his range as he moves 40-30 ahead. Murray rattles a return down the line. Deuce. The court opens up for him ever so slightly on the next point, he aims a backhand down the line, but nets. Advantage Federer. The pair then duke it out at the back of the court before Federer charges into the net to finish matters. Federer's on the board.

First set: Murray 2-2 Federer* (*denotes next server)
"Nice to see that "Tim Henman" is trending on twitter," parps Sports Illustrated's @jon_wertheim. Murray is continuing to go for his shots, and an ace and well-placed volley get him to 40-15. But Federer chips and chops, and a bamboozled Murray hits into the tramlines. 40-30. Deuce. Advantage Murray. Deuce. More slicing and dicing from Federer, before he brings up break point with a beautiful darting backhand down the line. Murray slaps a backhand into the net and we're back on serve. Hopefully this nice little match gallery will lift your spirits.

First set: *Murray 2-3 Federer (*denotes next server)
A game which ebbs and flows, ebbs and flows, ebbs and flows. 0-30. 40-30. Deuce. Federer stands firm at the net and withstands a barrage of attempted passes from Murray. Advantage Federer. Deuce. Advantage Federer. Game Federer, as he forges ahead for the first time in this match. "I wonder how much of our lack of sporting success is down to how we all feel now," muses Duncan Smith. "If Murray was an American, the fans would expect a win, be upbeat and bolshie. At a break up, we assume it's going to just be extra elevation before crashing disaster." Yep. No success here please, we're British.

First set: Murray 3-3 Federer* (*denotes next server)
Now that the smooth Swiss has arrived, how will the swinging Scot respond? With an ace and a couple of big blows to get to 40-15, but Federer comes right back at him. Deuce. Advantage Murray. Game. A crucial hold with the momentum starting to swing. Gary Naylor, though, appears to be an uninterested spectator in all of this: "I wrote off Murray after he failed to win a slam by the end of 2010 and I wrote off Federer when Djokovic raised his game. So that's me written off."

First set: *Murray 3-4 Federer (*denotes next server)
Federer's most stress-free game of the match so far, as he comes through to 15, courtesy of some smart and big serving. And look, there's Sir Alex Ferguson in the crowd too. But while David Beckham's lapping it up in the Royal Box, Lord Ferg's got to make do with a place in the cheap seats.

First set: Murray 4-4 Federer* (*denotes next server)
From 0-30, a Murray ace and a forehand down the line restore parity, as a tartan-clad Judy rises to applaud her son. Murray edges 40-30 ahead as Federer frames a backhand so high it probably lands on Wimbledon Common, but Murray hurtles forward on the next point and nets. Five deuces, three advantage Murrays and two advantage Federers follow – Federer is really knocking on the door here, but Murray just about manages to keep it shut, and Federer eventually goes for too much on the return and nets. Murray squeezes through. A crucial hold, otherwise Federer would have been serving for the set.

First set: *Murray 5-4 Federer (*denotes next server)
With Federer at the net, Murray charges forward and take aim his opponent, almost blasting Federer's head off. Several gasps from the crowd, but it's legitimate play. And look here, 15-40, two break points. Lendl still sits there impassively, chin in left hand. But his fingers twitch a little. Federer sends Murray left and right and left and right, before blinking first as he nets! Murray will serve for the set!

Murray wins the first set 6-4!
From 15-0, the pair trade about 20 cross-court blows, before Murray decides to mix it up and Federer's resulting forehand is called out. Federer appeals to Hawk-Eye, it was in, and they'll replay the point. This time Murray nets. 15-all. Federer return goes long, 30-15. Murray ace out wide, 40-15. Another unreturned serve, and that's the set! Murray has finally won a set in a grand slam final! Cue frantic Union Jack waving and several camera shots of David Cameron and the Duchess of Cornwall. Can we start to believe now?

Second set: *Murray 6-4, 0-1 Federer (*denotes next server)
Federer's not a man you want to rile. 15-0. 30-0. 40-0. Game. Here are the set one stats to chew over, by the way. A few too many unforced errors from Federer and he's not winning enough points on his second serve, not that Britain will care one jot.

Second set: Murray 6-4, 1-1 Federer* (*denotes next server)
A wounded Federer is pushing here, but Murray remains calm and composed (credit Lendl for that) to get himself out of a 0-30 hole. 30-all. Federer pushes once again, 30-40, and the Swiss has a chance to seal the break with a backhand pass – the crowd is so silent it's as though they're not breathing – but the ball eventually drops into the tramlines. Deuce. Advantage Murray. Duece. Advantage Murray. Deuce. Advantage Murray. Game Murray as he sends an inside-out forehand winner past a scampering Federer. The way Murray's hitting through his forehand has been mightily impressive so far, but he could do with getting through these service games a little quicker.

Second set: Murray *6-4, 1-2 Federer (*denotes next server)
Despite throwing in a double fault, Federer shows Murray how it's done with a comfortable hold. "I think for Murray's mindset, winning that set was vital, that is his first set in the final of a major after 10 attempts," says Kevin Comber. "If he'd have lost that set, it would certainly have played on his mind, especially after getting in such a good position. I think for the good of Murray's tennis future he must win today, not only for the monkey to be off his back and to finally win a major, but his mother Judy looks like she'd rip him apart with her teeth if he didn't win." Too true Kevin. I would not want to get on the wrong side of Judy. Nor Lendl for that matter.

Second set: Murray 6-4, 2-2 Federer* (*denotes next server)
Anything Federer can do ... Murray comes through to 15. Back to you Roger ...

Second set: *Murray 6-4, 2-3 Federer (*denotes next server)
A delightful backhand overhead – one of the hardest shots in the book - gets Murray to 15-all. With the wind in his sails, he sprints into the net, before dispatching a winner. 15-30. Again Murray comes to the net, this time punching down a forehand overhead to get to 15-40. Two break points. I like this attacking Murray. But this time it's Federer's turn to put away the smash, before Murray goes wide on his return. Deuce. "COME ON," Murray says as he chastises himself ever so slightly, but considering his previous, there's been so little chastising in this match so far. He's so focused, so determined, so Lendl-like. Federer edges through.

Second set: Murray 6-4, 3-3 Federer* (*denotes next server)
A love service game for Murray, that'll do nicely. "Haven't felt so stressed and intense for a tennis game since Federer-Nadal 2008," says Samantha Rajasingham. "How can it be that Murray is up a set and yet it still feels like Federer's game to lose?!"

Second set: *Murray 6-4, 3-4 Federer (*denotes next server)
Another blink-and-you'll-miss-it service game, as Federer comes through to love. Move on, there's nothing to see here, ladies and gentlemen. Federer, aware of the danger, is now coming into the net more and attempting to shorten the points.

Second set: Murray 6-4, 4-4 Federer* (*denotes next server)
Hmm there are only so many ways of saying this. 15-0. 30-0. 40-0. 40-15. Game. The crowd is just slightly subdued here, neither player is able to make any in-roads on their opponent's serve.

Second set: *Murray 6-4, 4-5 Federer (*denotes next server)
But wait, a wild strike from Federer and it's 30-all. Another wild strike and it's 30-40. Break point. Where did that come from? Lendl still isn't smiling, but he's moved a little, and is now resting his chin on the front of the players' box. Murray attempts to pull the trigger on his backhand, but it lands a foot or so long. Deuce. Murray bosses the next point, before running forward to dispatch a volley with aplomb. Advantage Murray. Deuce. Advantage Federer. Duece. Advantage Federer. Game Federer. "Even the former colonies are rooting for Andy," announces Jon Lee. "Huddled here in Hong Kong with my mates cheering." Meanwhile Max Hogg emails from Ecuador: "Watching from my bed in Loja (it's 9.45 in the morning here - far too much excitement before breakfast.) It seems like Federer is making far too many unforced errors at the moment. Could this be Murray's match to lose (sorry for the jinx this obviously implies!)" You're right Max (on the first point, I don't want to tempt fate on the second) - Federer's unforced errors count is now up 23 for the match, compared to Murray's eight.

Second set: Murray 6-4, 5-5 Federer* (*denotes next server)
That's how you serve to stay in the set. 15-0. 30-0. 40-0. Game. No dramaqueenery from the alleged drama queen there. "There are six Wimbledon-related trending topics at the moment in the US. (Thanks to Pippa M for one of them)," tweets Sports Illustrated's Jon Wertheim.

Second set: *Murray 6-4, 5-6 Federer (*denotes next server)
A lucky net cord for Murray at 40-30 and he scrambles his way to deuce. But sends down a big serve and a vicious slice serve and Murray will again have to hold serve to stay in the set and force this into a tie-break. A big cloud ominously starts to gather over Centre Court (nothing metaphorical there, it looks like it might rain).

Federer wins the second set 7-5
A 128mph ace will do nicely. Murray then somehow manages to pull off an outrageous backhand volley while spinning and pirouetting and doing a cartwheel (OK, I might have made the last bit up). But maybe it makes him a little bit dizzy, because suddenly it's 30-all. Make that 30-40, as Murray lobs long after a lengthy game of cat and mouse. Set point Federer. A 20 or so shot rally ensues, and Federer eventually takes it with a beautiful backhand drop volley. Two moments of brilliance there from the six-times champion when he needed it. They're back level. Phew. How are your nerves? Frayed? We've got at least another two sets of this.

Third set: *Murray 6-4, 5-7, 0-1 Federer (*denotes next server)
Federer opens up the third set with a hold to 15. Want to see the second set stats courtesy of the IBM SlamTracker? Sure you do. There was next to nothing between them in that set; but while Murray was 0/4 on break points, Federer took his chance. And those are the fine margins on which games at the very highest level are decided.

Aces: Federer 3-3 Murray, first serves in: Federer 71%-72% Murray, points won on first serve: Federer 77%-77% Murray, points won on second serve: Federer 50%-50% Murray, unforced errors: Federer 8-4 Murray, winners: Federer 19-14 Murray.

Third set: Murray 6-4, 5-7, 1-1 Federer* (*denotes next server)
Murray looks rattled but just about stays in touch. 30-all. 40-30. Game. He lets out a little yelp. "Loving the blow by blow coverage and updating the page way more often than necessary," says James Burn. "Thanks to the EU for forcing mobile companies to charge more reasonable prices for data roaming." And we could soon be thanking the rain too – with Murray on the ropes, an odd umbrella or two springs up on Murray Mound.

It's raining, it's pouring
Play continues briefly. 15-0, 30-0, 40-0 on Federer's serve. But ladies and gentlemen, play is now suspended. Murray almost gets eaten up by the groundstaff and the covers, he's in no rush to leave the court, but he eventually trudges off. The break couldn't have come at a better time for him. It's not clear yet whether this is a passing shower, in which case the roof won't go on, or whether it's going to last longer. If the roof is closed, we're looking at a delay of around 30 minutes or so. But trust the British weather to add to the drama.

The decision has been made. The roof will be closed. And that doesn't bode well for Murray, because Federer is the best indoor player in the world. Yes, the conditions will be a touch slower, but the lack of wind means Federer can serve to a higher percentage and go for the lines a little more. There again, staying positive, can you imagine what the atmosphere will be like under the roof? And that's got to work in Murray's favour.

4.25pm: Once the roof is shut, it takes around 20 minutes for the air conditioning to kick in, so it'll probably be around 4.50pm or so before the players are back on.

The bad news: Cliff Richard is in the stands.
The good news: He's keeping quiet at the moment.

"If they don't return soon, I'll have to use a nail-cutter for the rest of my remaining nails," announces Deepak Sharma.

4.45pm:
Apologies for the radio silence. It's a bit crammed in the press room as plenty of toilet-dashing and tea-fetching goes on. We should be back in business in about five minutes or so, the players are back out and warming up. Come on Andy, it's over to you now to raise the roof ...

Third set: *Murray 6-4, 5-7, 1-2 Federer (*denotes next server 
Resuming at 40-0 up, Federer rattles off the first point to hold. The rain is absolutely lashing down on the roof, just to add to the surreal and spectacular atmosphere. The thousands on a rain-soaked Murray Mound remain undettered.

Third set: Murray 6-4, 5-7, 2-2 Federer* (*denotes next server 
What a shot from Federer at 30-0. From the back of the court, he runs round his backhand and looks to be off balance, but somehow manages to carve across the ball with a delightful drop shot. That's as good as it gets for Federer though, as Murray holds to 15. And this from Paul Tingen: "Elaborating on your bad news/good news point ... The bad news for me was the incessant shots of celebrities during the first set, which were so distracting that even the BBC commentators began commenting on the celebrities, rather than on the match. The good news was that the celebrity coverage was much less in the second set. Also, I'm watching this in France with some French people, and they're perplexed by these celebrity shots, and of course don't recognise the vast majority of them (Ian Hislop is not famous in le Dordogne, trust me). If you have a hotline to the BBC director, tell him or her to stop it! Otherwise, thanks for your efforts." No hotline I'm afraid Paul, but I agree the shots of Pippa especially are a little too frequent. Poor Victoria Beckham has barely had a look-in.

Third set: *Murray 6-4, 5-7, 2-3 Federer (*denotes next server 
A quickest of the quick service game from Federer as he holds to love. Not much more to say than that, I'm afraid.

Third set: Murray 6-4, 5-7, 2-4 Federer* (*denotes next server 
Now the rain has eased off a little, you can really hear the ricochet of the ball under the Centre Court roof. Woosh. Pop. Woosh. Pop. Woosh. Pop. Woosh. Pop. A beautiful cross-court backhand from Murray on the opening point, as he flicks his wrists over the ball, sending it away for a winner. An ace down the T brings up 40-0 – Murray's ahead in the ace department eight to seven right now. But Federer gets some change on Murray's second serve and it's 40-30. After a lengthy exchange on the next point, Murray slips and slides into the net, landing hard on his left arm. But he hauls himself up in a most un-drama Queen-like manner. Deuce. Advantage Murray. Deuce. Advantage Federer. Deuce. Advantage Federer. Deuce. Advantage Federer. Deuce. Advantage Murray. Deuce. Advantage Murray. Deuce. Advantage Federer. Deuce. Advantage Federer, his fifth break point. Deuce. Advantage Murray, hisseventh break point. Deuce. Advantage Federer. Break Federer. What a remarkable game, lasting 20 minutes. Tennis at its best. Some wonderful ball-striking from Federer, superb defence from Murray, but it wasn't enough. Federer looks extremely dangerous now. Could it be a turning point? Lendl shuffles in his seat.

Third set: *Murray 6-4, 5-7, 2-5 Federer (*denotes next server 
There's no changeover for the players to draw breath here, so it's straight back to the Federer serve. A glimmer for Murray at 30-all, but Murray nets. David Cameron grimaces. And Murray goes long. It might be time for a stiff drink. If only there was more on offer in the press room than free Robinsons. Cue a drunken-sounding Martin Southcott: "I too am in France, Yvelines 78, watching the BBC. BEING A GOOD HOST i HAVE SUPPLIED PIMMS, SO EVERYTIME TIME the rich & famous are shown we have a drink, we too were wondering were Victoira has gone, more shots of the Celebs please."

Third set: Murray 6-4, 5-7, 3-5 Federer* (*denotes next server 
Murray holds to 30, but Federer is a different player now. Having said the break came at the right time for Murray, it appears to have worked the other way. Aided by the indoors conditions, Federer's ball-striking is now so clean and smooth. He's attacking Murray's second serve more and he's now the aggressor. Federer will serve for the third set. "Here in Annapolis (you might know it from The Wire) I am taking refuge by the pool, nerves on edge waiting to see how Murray can pull this off," announces Anna Arabindan-Kesson. "Celebrity shots were a little overboard but Beck's mustache was definitely a highlight. More please."

Federer wins the third set 6-3
From 30-15, Federer dinks a backhand slice long, 30-all. A glimmer. But that's all it is. Because one point later it's set point Federer. And he takes it with an ace out wide. This is the Federer who dispatched Djokovic in the semi-finals, this is the Federer who won six Wimbledon titles. And this is ominous for Murray. Not impossible, but it's an almighty ask from here on in. You can check out the third set stats here. "Whatever about all these other celebs, has John Terry changed into his tennis whites yet, ready to help Andy Murray hoist the trophy, should he win?" asks Justin Kavanagh. JT might even get the chance to hijack Murray's moment of glory at this rate. Though I wouldn't put it past him to hijack Federer's instead.

Fourth set: Murray 6-4, 5-7, 3-6 1-0 Federer* (*denotes next server 
Murray holds to 30, finishing things off with a lovely change-up as he comes into the net after a draining baseline duel. Make no mistake, Murray will give absolutely everything here. And here's a pertinent point from Ben Hardy: "Echoing Charlie Brooker's excellent piece defending Murray's lack of smiles and expanding on the extra pressure he has to carry with him from the weight of expectation in this country, it can't help matters that he looks up after seeing a forehand return go long and sees the Prime Minister shaking his head. I'd like Murray to have the chance to go into a cabinet meeting and shake his head and tut at Cameron's mistakes (like letting Michael Gove speak)." Hear. Hear.

Fourth set: *Murray 6-4, 5-7, 3-6 1-1 Federer (*denotes next server 
Federer's first-serve percentage is still in the 70s, and that's what just about sees him through here. A chance for Murray at 30-40, he takes aim with a forehand down the line, but it drops just wide. The crowd gasp, they dared to dream it was going in. Deuce. And Federer doesn't make any mistakes from there. And this from Rick Harris, the turncoat: "Up until now I have been hoping for a Murray win, but the news that Cameron is there hoping to bask in the reflected glory of a British Triumph and probably make some smug comment about it 'just showing what us Brits can do when we're up against it' has me reaching for the Toblerone. Come on Roger!"

Fourth set: Murray 6-4, 5-7, 3-6 2-1 Federer* (*denotes next server 
Murray looks to be struggling a bit physically here, but like Djokovic, he's got a knack of playing rope-a-dope with his opponents. His body language can be deceiving. Murray huffs and puffs and comes through to 30, courtesy of some strong serving. He needs all the cheap points he can get right now.

Fourth set: *Murray 6-4, 5-7, 3-6 2-2 Federer (*denotes next server 
15-0. 30-0. 40-0. Game. Murray clutches his back. His shoulders drop. The crowd sound muted. Never have 17,000 people sounded so silent.

Fourth set: Murray 6-4, 5-7, 3-6 2-3 Federer* (*denotes next server 
The beginning of the end? Perhaps. From 15-all, Murray's forehand goes about 0.00001mm out. He appeals in vain to Hawk-Eye. 15-30. 15-40, two break points. Federer flicks a backhand pass beyond a stranded Murray to deliver what could prove to be a killer blow. If Federer holds serve from here on in the Wimbledon title is his for a record-equalling seventh time, and he'll also wrest the world No1 spot from Novak Djokovic.

Fourth set: *Murray 6-4, 5-7, 3-6 2-4 Federer (*denotes next server 
What an opportunity for Murray at 15-30. With Federer a sitting target at the net, Murray has the chance to pass, but inexplicably fires long. 30-all. Federer pings a forehand winner cross-court, before wrong-footing Murray and finishing things off with a drive volley. A crucial hold for Murray now, otherwise Federer will be serving for the title. Meanwhile ‏@NickBollettieri attempts to lighten the mood: "No matter who wins, they are putting on a match of the highest quality."

Fourth set: Murray 6-4, 5-7, 3-6 3-4 Federer* (*denotes next server 
Murray has luck on his side at 30-all. The ball flies off the throat of his racket, but he takes the point. Before holding. Considering the assault he's currently facing, credit to Murray for keeping himself together. There have been very few Murray mutterings and murmurings. Even if he can't turn this around, this has been an incredibly mature performance.

Fourth set: *Murray 6-4, 5-7, 3-6 3-5 Federer (*denotes next server 
Federer is always so serene, even when he is a possibly a game or two away from a 17th grand slam title. While Murray grunts, there's calm at Federer's side of the net. UGGH! silence. UGGGH! silence. UGGGGGH! silence. UGGGGGH!ARRGH! silence. Federer comes through to 30. "Cameron should go now," announces Graham Dallas.

Fourth set: Murray 6-4, 5-7, 3-6 4-5 Federer* (*denotes next server 
Murray lives to fight another day. Or more accurately possibly one more game. But it's by no means easy. At 40-15, Federer sends a fizzing forehand down the line, and another barrage of Federer forehand artillery later it's deuce. Advantage Murray. Deuce. Murray sends down his 16th ace of the day, his advantage. A desperate last stand from the battered and bruised Brit. And Federer goes wide. Federer will serve for the Wimbledon title.

Federer wins the Wimbledon title 4-6, 7-5, 6-3, 6-4!
Plenty of frantic Union Jack waving and Murray rousing as Federer stands up to serve. It does the trick on the first point. 0-15. For a moment it looks as though Murray has hit a winning lob on the next point - but it's not chalk flying up from the baseline, it's dust at the back of the court. 15-all. 30-15. Ace, 40-15. Two championship points. The crowd attempts to rouse Murray once more, again they succeed. Federer nets. But on championship point No2, Murray's return whistles wide. Federer sinks to the grass, before jumping up almost immediately to embrace Murray at the net. Federer breaks Murray's heart again in a grand slam final and the wait goes on.

So another devastating loss for Murray, his fourth in a major final. Perhaps this will hurt more than the others, coming at Wimbledon. But there's no shame in this defeat; he played so well, but lost to the better player, the greatest of all time. The tennis Federer played in the third and fourth sets was faultless. And not only does Federer draw level with Pete Sampras on seven Wimbledon titles, he's also back as the world No1 and will overtake Sampras for the most weeks spent at the top of the rankings. Not bad for a day's work.

Trophy time. Murray trudges up first to collect his runners-up prize. He looks close to tears, but just about manages to hold it together. Federer then gets his hands on the winners' trophy.

But when Sue Barker tries to speak to Murray, the tears come. The crowd applauses. After a minute or so, he gathers himself, and even manages to throw in a joke. "First I'd like to congratulate Roger. He's 30 now, he's not bad for a 30-year-old. He played a great tournament, I know he had some troubles early on with his back, he showed what fight he still has in him. Congratulations, you deserve it. Everyone who's supported me, you've done a great job, so thank you. And last of all to you guys, everybody always talks about the pressure of playing at Wimbledon, but the people watching make it so much easier to play. The support's bee incredible so thank you."

Then it's Federer's turn. "He's done so well over the years, he's been so consistent. He'll at least win one grand slam, so this is what I hope for Andy. I've obviously gone through some struggles over the last few years myself, so it's amazing. It equals me with Pete Sampras who's my hero. And as for the world No1 ranking, it's all come together. It's a magical moment for me."

A magical moment for Federer as he parades the trophy around Centre Court, a miserable moment for Murray as he matches his coach Ivan Lendl's unenviable record of losing his first four grand slam finals. But another chance will surely come. Let's just hope it's at Wimbledon; waiting another 74 years for a finalist doesn't sound like much fun. Thanks for reading and thanks for all your emails, sorry I couldn't use them all. And most of all, sorry about the result. Bye.