London (AFP) - When Andy Murray broke down in tears on Centre Court after the most painful defeat of his life, it was impossible to imagine the Scot would be on the verge of a second Wimbledon title just four years later. Murray's showdown with Milos Raonic on Sunday is the world number two's third appearance in the Wimbledon final and the previous two couldn't have been more contrasting.
It was the first, a heartbreaking four-set loss to Roger Federer in 2012, that planted the seeds for Murray's eventual coronation. Tormented by his fourth successive Grand Slam final loss, Murray openly wept during an on-court interview following his defeat against Federer, uttering only "I'm getting closer" before dissolving into tears.
Yet the pain provided more fuel for Murray and he made a cathartic return to Wimbledon for the Olympics just weeks later. Heeding the advice of his coach Ivan Lendl, who had also endured a long wait to claim his first major before winning multiple titles, Murray let rip and routed Federer in the final. That golden moment gave Murray the impetus to conquer New York.
Leading by two sets in the US Open final against Novak Djokovic, Murray was on the verge of grasping that elusive first Grand Slam before the Serb roared back to level the match, prompting a bathroom break that has gone down in history.
Steadying his nerves in front of a toilet mirror, Murray looked into his reflection and told himself to finish the job. He did just that, lifting his first major trophy and immediately setting his sights on putting himself into the Wimbledon history books. Murray's date with destiny came on July 7, 2013 when he vanquished Djokovic and the ghost of Fred Perry with a 6-4, 7-5, 6-4 victory on a gorgeous sunlit afternoon.
