WORLD No. 2 Andy Murray earned a 6-4, 7-6(3), 7-6(2) victory over sixth-seeded Milos Raonic in front of his home crowd Sunday. He is now a two-time Wimbledon champion.

    In 2013, Murray famously ended Britain’s 77-year wait for one of its own to win the men’s final at Wimbledon, a quest that became burdensome.

    Now he wanted a victory to end his personal rut of three consecutive losses in major finals, including at the Australian Open in January, and French Open last month.

    “It is different. I feel happier this time. I feel more content this time. I feel like this was sort of more for myself more than anything, and my team as well,” Murray said.

    “Last time, it was just pure relief, and I didn’t really enjoy the moment as much, whereas I’m going to make sure I enjoy this one.”

    This was his 11th Grand Slam final, but the first against someone other than Novak Djokovic or Roger Federer. The sixth-seeded Raonic eliminated Federer in five sets in the semifinals Friday, and also defeated the player who stunned Djokovic in the third round, Sam Querrey.

    Those wins helped Raonic become the first man representing Canada to reach a major final.

    Though Murray only stole one break in the match, he outplayed Raonic, his superior return game outweighing Raonic’s powerful serve and forehand.

    If Murray was feeling the pressure of being the favorite for the first time in his three Wimbledon final appearances, he didn’t let it show. The 2013 Wimbledon champion stayed dedicated to his game plan, neutralizing Raonic’s serve and forcing him onto his backhand.

    When Raonic hit the second-fastest serve in Wimbledon history, Murray not only absorbed it, he won the point with one of his many passing-shot winners on the afternoon.

    Murray needed just one small opening to take the first set, converting on his third break-point opportunity at 3-3 to push ahead.(SD-Agencies)