Members of the public react as they watch a TV screen showing the Wimbledon tennis final match between Britain's Andy Murray and Switzerland's Roger Federer in Dunblane, Scotland Sunday, July 8, 2012. (AP Photo/Scott Heppell)
July 08, 2012 - 10:08 AM
WIMBLEDON, England - "Murray Mania" is in full bloom at Wimbledon, and all across Britain, ahead of Andy Murray's final against Roger Federer.
Despite persistent rain in the morning, thousands of British tennis fans arrived at the All England Club several hours ahead of the final to get a good spot on "Murray Mount" — formerly known as "Henman Hill" — where they traditionally gather to watch Murray's matches on a giant video screen.
Murray is the first British man to reach the Wimbledon final since 1938. If he wins, he'll be the first British champion since Fred Perry in 1936.
"I'm extremely excited," said 16-year-old Ollie Adderson, who was on "Murray Mount" with his face painted with a Union Jack flag. "Tennis is a British sport. To see a Briton actually in the final, it's what tennis is all about."
His friend Charlie Perry wasn't concerned about the rain, which fell all morning but started letting up shortly before the match.
"It's so British. There's a Brit in the final, and it's raining. It's classic Britain," said Perry, who insisted he is not related to Fred. "Our spirits are so high it can never be let down by the rain."
As a sign of what this match means to the whole country, the Royal Box on Centre Court was set to be filled with dignitaries, politicians and celebrities. Among them was Prime Minister David Cameron, Prince William's wife, the former Kate Middleton, and David Beckham.
At 10 Downing Street, the Scottish flag was flying in recognition of Murray's achievement.
Tickets for the final were selling for thousands of pounds online. Among those lucky enough to have bought one months ago was 71-year-old Margaret Chittick, who has been coming to Wimbledon for 12 years. She and many others had started to wonder whether they'd ever see a Brit playing in the final.
"He has exceeded my expectations already," Chittick said. "Murray, poor soul. He has the weight of the whole nation on his shoulders."
News from © The Associated Press, 2012