AFP IS CLOSING THIS LIVE REPORT after Andy Murray became the first British man in 77 years to win the Wimbledon singles title when he overcame world number one Novak Djokovic 6-4, 7-5, 6-4 in the blistering heat of Centre Court.
Britain's Andy Murray reacts after beating Serbia's Novak Djokovic in the men's singles final at the 2013 Wimbledon Championships at the All England Club in Wimbledon, southwest London, on July 7, 2013. Murray won 6-4, 7-5, 6-4.
The 26-year-old Scot became Britain's first male winner since Fred Perry in 1936 when Djokovic netted a backhand in a game in which Murray had seen three Championship points slip away.
It was Murray's second Grand Slam title to follow his breakthrough triumph at the US Open last year which followed his Olympic gold medal as well as a heartbreaking, tearful loss to Roger Federer last year's Wimbledon final.
"I have played Novak many times and when everyone finishes playing, he will go down as one of the fighters," Murray told a capacity 15,000 crowd after his historic victory in a match where courtside temperatures touched 40 degrees Celcius.
"He did the same today and that is what made it tough. I understand how much everyone wanted to see British winner at Wimbledon and I hope everyone enjoyed it.
"My team have stuck by me through some tough moments. This one is for Ivan (Lendl, his coach) as well, I know he did everything to try to win this one when he was playing. He's fantastic, he's been patient and I thank him."
Djokovic, who lost in straight sets at a Grand Slam for the first time since the semi-finals at Wimbledon three years ago, was full of praise for Murray.
"It wasn't easy -- Andy deserves the win, he played incredible tennis. Congratulations to him and his whole team and the country, I know what it means to you all," said the Serbian.
"It makes the success even bigger as I am aware of the pressure he gets. There are always lots of expectations on him to win this tournament. It's a great achievement."
Sunday's title showdown, between two men who have now contested three of the last four Grand Slam finals, rarely lived up to expectations.
Both struggled in the stifling heat and the top-seeded Serbian, who had beaten Murray in the Australian Open final in January, looked jaded after his record four hour 43-minute semi-final victory over Juan Martin del Potro.
And despite leads of 4-1 in the second set and 4-2 in the third, he was out-hit by Murray who finished with 36 winners to 31, with 21 unforced errors to the Serbian's 40 and having carved out 17 break points.
Read on to find out how all the action unfolded in front of a sweltering Centre Court in south-west London:
1722 GMT: Statistics from the final in which Andy Murray beat Novak Djokovic 6-4, 7-5, 6-4:
Djokovic Murray
--------------------
Aces: 4 9
Double faults: 4 2
Percentage of first serves: 65 67
Breaks/Break points: 4/13 7/17
Winners: 31 36
Unforced errors: 40 21
Total points won: 96 114
1720 GMT: Djokovic, who lost in straight sets at a Grand Slam for the first time since the semi-finals at Wimbledon three years ago, praised Murray after his straight sets defeat.
"It wasn't easy. Andy deserves the win, he played incredible tennis. Congratulations to him and his whole team and the country, I know what it means to you all," said the Serb.
"It makes the success even bigger as I am aware of the pressure he gets. There are always lots of expectations on him to win this tournament. It's a great achievement."
1715 GMT: Murray's mother Judy admits she could barely remember how her son actually won the final game because she had been reduced to a nervous wreck by that point.
"I was an emotional wreck but now it is the best feeling ever to watch your son win Wimbledon," she said. "I can't remember what happened in the last game but he was gutsy and determined to win that trophy today.
"I have been shaking for about three hours now. I have been around tennis for many years, you can never sit back and relax and think it is in the bag.
"The minute you start thinking too far ahead, it is dangerous. Never count your chickens, just be as supportive as you can be but he got through in the end."
1710 GMT: Murray clambered into the players' box to hug his girlfriend Kim Sears, coach Ivan Lendl and the rest of his support team after sealing victory.
But he almost forgot his mother Judy, who was sitting just behind the box, before returning to give her a joyous embrace.
"I did forget Mum, but then I did remember," he added.
"My team have stuck by me through some tough moments. This one is for Ivan (Lendl, his coach) as well, I know he did everything to try to win this one when he was playing. He's fantastic, he's been patient and I thank him."
1700 GMT: Murray squandered three matches points in the final game before finally taking the title at the fourth attempt and the world number two admitted the pressure of closing out the win was almost unbearable.
"Probably the hardest few points I've ever had to play in my life," Murray said.
"I have played Novak many times and when everyone finishes playing, he will go down as one of the fighters.
"He did the same today and that is what made it tough. I understand how much everyone wanted to see a British winner at Wimbledon and I hope everyone enjoyed it."
1645 GMT: Murray walks through the corridors of the All England Club packed with wellwishers and holds the trophy aloft from the balcony behind the Centre Court to the thronged crowds beneath.
1640 GMT: The BBC's Sue Barker asks Murray on court: "How much do you remember of that last point?" Andy Murray: "I haven't got a clue what happened..."
1635 GMT: Djokovic is presented with the silver runner's up plate while Murray is finally gets the silver gilt Gentlemen's Singles Trophy -- a dazed-looking Murray raises it above to a huge roar from the Centre Court crowd.
ANDY MURRAY IS THE 2013 WIMBLEDON MEN'S CHAMPION!
Murray has become the first British man to win the Wimbledon men's title since Fred Perry in 1936.
MURRAY 6-4, 7-5, 6-4 DJOKOVIC
Djokovic fought to the last -- he stormed back from 40-0 down in that last game to save three Championship points but Murray earned another and Djokovic finally netted with a backhand.
DJOKOVIC 4-6, 4-6, 5-7 *MURRAY (*Denotes upcoming server)
Murray breaks and will serve for the Championship!
Some brilliant tennis from the Scot and Djokovic nets a forehand on game point.
Can Murray end 77 years of British sporting hurt?
*DJOKOVIC 4-4 4-6, 5-7 MURRAY (*Denotes upcoming server)
Murray holds!
The Scot works it to 40-30 and pulls off a superb whipped forehand winner over the highest part of the net that hits the baseline.
BREAK - DJOKOVIC 4-3 4-6, 5-7 *MURRAY (*Denotes upcoming server)
Murray breaks back!
The Scot noticeably steps onto the front foot and earns a break point at 30-40 which he takes with a whipped crosscourt forehand which Djokovic gets to but sends it long.
BREAK - *DJOKOVIC 4-2 4-6, 5-7 MURRAY (*Denotes upcoming server)
Djokovic breaks again!
The Serbian seems to have regained his composure -- he drags Murray to the net with a canny dropshot and Murray nets for 0-15.
A Murray error follows before the Scot guides a backhand down the line to make it 15-30.
But Djokovic forces two more errors from the Scot's racquet and wins the game.
"The party atmosphere on Centre Court has suddenly gone flat. With Djokovic hitting back in the third set, there's real tension among the sell-out crowd." writes AFP's Steve Griffiths from Centre Court.
DJOKOVIC 3-2 4-6, 5-7 *MURRAY (*Denotes upcoming server)
Djokovic holds with ease and gets his nose in front in this set.
Both players draping iced towels over their necks at the changeovers to deal with the sweltering heat.
BREAK - *DJOKOVIC 2-2 4-6, 5-7 MURRAY (*Denotes upcoming server)
Djokovic breaks back!
The Serbian earns a break point at 30-40 and, after a long rally, Murray plays a drop-shot that Djokovic does brilliantly to reach at full stretch. He flicks the ball across the net where Murray pounces on it but the Scot sends his volley just wide into the tramlines.
DJOKOVIC 1-2 4-6, 5-7 *MURRAY (*Denotes upcoming server)
Djokovic fights back from 0-30 down to hold.
"Statistics can sometimes be misleading but 32 unforced errors by Djokovic in the match so far, compared to just 11 by Murray tells quite a convincing tale. The Serbian way below his best today," writes AFP's Steve Griffiths from Centre Court.
Both players taking on large amounts of fluids at the changeover in the blazing sunshine.
*DJOKOVIC 0-2 4-6, 5-7 MURRAY (*Denotes upcoming server)
Murray holds.
BREAK - DJOKOVIC 0-1 4-6, 5-7 *MURRAY (*Denotes upcoming server)
Murray breaks again, and this time to love!
Some more errors from a demoralised-looking Djokovic and at 0-40 he sends a backhand floating long at the end of a long rally.
The Serbian had a great chance to put the ball away but Murray chased down his smash. The lack of conviction from Djokovic is clear for all to see.
1527 GMT: Vital statistic from that second set -- Djokovic hit just 62 percent of his first serves in to Murray's 73 percent.
GAME AND SECOND SET MURRAY 7-5
Murray leads two set to love, 7-5, 6-4.
*DJOKOVIC 4-6, 5-7 MURRAY (*Denotes upcoming server)
Djokovic drags a backhand wide before Murray slaps down a big first serve for 30-0. Here's Djokovic hitting a backhand long and here are three set points for Murray. And he seals it with an ace!
BREAK - DJOKOVIC 4-6, 5-6 *MURRAY (*Denotes upcoming server)
Murray breaks and will serve for the second set!
Djokovic seriously wound up in that game by a ball he felt was long -- he remonstrated with the umpire, arms outstretched, about why he didn't overrule as he had no challenges remaining but replays showed the ball clipped the line anyway.
Djokovic was 4-1 ahead in this set and Murray has somehow dragged his way back.
*DJOKOVIC 4-6, 5-5 MURRAY (*Denotes upcoming server)
Murray holds.
Djokovic went on the offensive again in that game and forced the error from Murray's forehand to take it to 30-30.
But a big serve from Murray and Djokovic nets with the return and Murray then saves the game with a huge kicking second serve which Djokovic can't get back.
DJOKOVIC 4-6, 5-4 *MURRAY (*Denotes upcoming server)
Djokovic holds with ease and the pressure's straight back on Murray to save this set.
*DJOKOVIC 4-6, 4-4 MURRAY (*Denotes upcoming server)
Murray holds to win his third game in a row.
Murray saved a break point at 30-40 with a huge ace that just clipped the line.
Djokovic then earned another one, Murray slamming his racquet to the floor after netting.
But the Scot saves the break point with a smash and then closes the game out. That could be a crucial hold having been 4-1 down.
Total winners in the match so far: Murray 25, Djokovic 12
BREAK - DJOKOVIC 4-6, 4-3 *MURRAY (*Denotes upcoming server)
Murray breaks back!
Murray's whipped forehand down the line at 15-30 clips the tape and Djokovic can't react quickly enough and it's 15-40.
But the Scot then nets with a forehand before sending a backhand crashing into the net halfway up as the chances slip away.
Murray then earns another chance with a scintillating forehand crosscourt which is too good for Djokovic -- and this time the pressure tells as the Serbian double faults. Uncharacteristic nerves from the world number one.
*DJOKOVIC 4-6, 4-2 MURRAY (*Denotes upcoming server)
Murray, now with a cap on, holds with relative ease
The Scot changes his racquet at the end of that game, Tim Henman in the commentator's box speculating that may be a reaction to the extreme heat and a desire to see the ball fly through the air faster.
DJOKOVIC 4-6, 4-1 *MURRAY (*Denotes upcoming server)
Djokovic holds and opens up a three-game cushion.
The Serbian is stepping up and getting inside the baseline on a lot more shots now, dictating play far more than in the first set.
BREAK - *DJOKOVIC 4-6, 3-1 MURRAY (*Denotes upcoming server)
Djokovic breaks the Murray serve to 15.
The Serbian shows real offensive intent there and takes it to 15-30 after following up a big forehand by coming to the net and putting a volley away.
Some brutally long rallies in that game too - 30 strokes in one followed by a 28-stroke effort but Djokovic showing more signs of being prepared to chance his arm with a big shot.
DJOKOVIC 4-6, 2-1 *MURRAY (*Denotes upcoming server)
Djokovic holds to 30.
At 40-30, Djokovic drags Murray out wide with a big forehand which the Scot retrieves but the Serbian stays in control of the point and Murray's defensive lob goes long.
*DJOKOVIC 4-6, 1-1 MURRAY (*Denotes upcoming server)
Murray holds.
DJOKOVIC 4-6, 1-0 *MURRAY (*Denotes upcoming server)
Djokovic holds to 15 and gets his nose in front in the second set.
The Serbian's spraying errors on his forehand side but Murray also missing with regularity -- from 15-all the Scot hits a backhand into the tramlines followed by a miss with an attempted pass and a forehand return which goes wide.
GAME AND FIRST SET MURRAY 6-4
*DJOKOVIC 4 MURRAY 6 (*Denotes upcoming server)
Murray holds and after some more big serves seals the first set on his quest for a first Wimbledon crown.
A revealing statistic - Murray won 84 percent of points when he got his first serve in compared to 54 percent for Djokovic.
"Another Royal Box standing ovation when Murray closed that out but Wayne Rooney and Tim Henman stay seated. Not very patriotic!" writes AFP's Steve Griffiths on Centre Court.
DJOKOVIC 4 *MURRAY 5 (*Denotes upcoming server)
Djokovic holds -- and it's a big hold as Murray was looking threatening at 30-30.
Murray to serve for the first set.
*DJOKOVIC 3 MURRAY 5 (*Denotes upcoming server)
Djokovic nets with a volley and then slips as he slides into the net - his ankle looks to have hyper-extended but the Serbian's famed flexibility sees him get up and walk away.
*DJOKOVIC 3 MURRAY 5 (*Denotes upcoming server)
Huge hold from Murray!
Double fault from Murray early on and Djokovic goes on to earn two break points at 15-40.
Murray saves the first with a big ace and the second after Djokovic nets.
Djokovic then nets a return to give Murray an advantage but the Scot loses the point after a slight slip during a long rally.
Murray saves another break point with a big forehand followed by a big smash and he wins the game when Djokovic nets.
The world number two's shirt already drenched with sweat -- he's not wearing a cap unlike Djokovic and you wonder how wise that is in this baking heat.
BREAK - DJOKOVIC 3 *MURRAY 4 (*Denotes upcoming server)
Murray breaks again!
Djokovic making several uncharacteristic unforced errors - he hits a backhand long and then nets to lose his serve to love.
Eight points in a row now for Murray.
*DJOKOVIC 3 MURRAY 3 (*Denotes upcoming server)
Murray holds -- some big serves in that game which could be a key aspect of this match as it could earn him some free points.
DJOKOVIC 3 *MURRAY 2 (*Denotes upcoming server)
Djokovic holds to 30 after Murray misses a good chance for a passing shot down the line to net with a forehand.
Both players are being shaded from the sweltering sun by large umbrellas at the changeovers.
Replays showing Murray seems to be unhappy with the grip on his shoes around the baseline. He reties his shoelaces but not sure that will help!
BREAK - *DJOKOVIC 2 MURRAY 2 (*Denotes upcoming server)
Djokovic breaks straight back.
The Serbian takes it to 0-40, Murray saves one break point but then nets and Djokovic levels the match.
BREAK - DJOKOVIC 1 *MURRAY 2 (*Denotes upcoming server)
Murray breaks!
Djokovic saved one break point at 30-40 after a 25-shot rally of brutal groundstrokes.
Murray then netted with a crosscourt forehand on a second break point but the Scot earned a third as he slid into a forehand winner down the line.
Grimace from Murray after that slide though - his foot seemed to jar slightly on the slide and he grabbed his hip. Worrying signs this early in the contest although he often has niggles.
Murray closes out the break with a backhand winner down the line that wrongfoots Djokovic.
*DJOKOVIC 1 MURRAY 1 (*Denotes upcoming server)
Good hold from Murray - he races to 40-) before Djokovic sends him wide with a big forehand which Murray nets. But the Scot sends down a big serve and closes it out.
"Both players went to the wrong side of the court before warming up. First sign of nerves?" asks AFP's Steve Griffiths on Centre Court.
DJOKOVIC 1 *MURRAY 0 (*Denotes upcoming server)
The Scot wins the first point of the match after a 20-shot rally as Djokovic sends a forehand just wide into the tramlines.
Djokovic then makes two errors and it's three break points for Murray at 0-40 - he wastes one by sending a forehand long, Djokovic saves the second with a solid smash which Murray can't get back and the third when Murray sends a crosscourt forehand wide.
Djokovic serves out to win the first game.
1314 GMT: The players have warmed up and Novak Djokovic will serve first.
1310 GMT: "The temperature on the court surface according to the groundsman is into the 40s (degrees Celcius), over 100 degrees Fahrenheit," says former player and now BBC presenter Andrew Castle.
Both players high levels of fitness are sure to be tested today.
1300 GMT: Here come the players, with Djokovic ahead of Murray as they are led through the corridors under Wimbledon's Centre Court and out into the sunshine to a huge round of applause from the 15,000 crowd.
1255 GMT: News on the coin toss for today's final to decide which player will serve first -- it will be carried out by 11-year-old Pinki Sonkar from India, representing "Smile Train", the world’s largest cleft lip and palate charity.
Pinki was born with a severe cleft palate but in 2007, Pinki and her father went on foot to Benares, India to a "Smile Train" partner hospital where Pinki received free cleft repair surgery, giving her a new smile which she called "life-changing".
1250 GMT: "With temperatures well into the high 20s at the All England Club, plenty of fans are topping up their tans on a packed "Henman Hill" (or "Murray Mound" as it's more recently been renamed) , the grass bank that overlooks big screens beside of Court One," writes AFP's Steve Griffiths from SW9.
"The majority are supporting Murray, with a host of Union Jack and Scottish flags on display, but just as many seem content to enjoy the occasion whoever wins and the pop of champagne corks and the clinking of cutlery is the pre-match soundtrack for the grazing throngs."
1243 GMT: More details details from Steve Griffiths on what Murray's been up to this morning in preparation for his shot at glory: "Murray drew a big crowd of spectators down at the practice courts and showed no signs of nerves as went through a half-hour session with hitting partner Dani Vallverdu and his Czech coach Ivan Lendl in sweltering conditions."
1240 GMT: Some vital statistics from AFP's Steve Griffiths at Wimbledon: "Djokovic has won 11 of his 18 meetings with Murray, including two Grand Slam finals (the 2011 and 2013 Australian Open finals), while Murray defeated the Serbian in the 2012 US Open final.
"Murray also beat Djokovic in their only meeting on grass in the semi-finals of last year's Olympics at Wimbledon.
"Djokovic and Murray have contested three of the last four Grand Slam finals, the exception being last month's French Open."
1235 GMT: "Today's umpire is Sweden's Mohamed Lahyani, who will be taking charge of his first men's singles final at Wimbledon," writes AFP sports reporter Steve Griffiths down at the All England Club.
"Lahyani, who was born in Morocco but moved to Sweden at aged one, is a Gold Badge Chair Umpire and has been working full time with the ATP since 2000.
"He first worked at The Championships in 1993 and was the umpire for Wimbledon's longest match between John Isner and Nicolas Mahut in 2010."
1228 GMT: More from AFP's Dave James at Wimbledon: "As early as 8 o'clock this morning, fans were told that the famous Wimbledon queue was already at capacity and that there was no hope of anyone else getting into the grounds before 6pm, well after the final will probably be finished.
"Might be a blessing with 30-degree temperatures predicted for the afternoon and Murray Mound having no cover."
1224 GMT: This from AFP sports correspondent Dave James at Wimbledon: "British Prime Minister David Cameron, Serbian President Tomislav Nikolic as well as Wayne and Coleen Rooney, Victoria Beckham, actors Gerard Butler and Bradley Cooper are in the Royal Box on Centre Court."
WELCOME TO AFP's LIVE REPORT on the Wimbledon men's singles final between Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray as the Scot bids to become the first British men's champion at the All England Club in 77 years.
Murray has said last year's painful Wimbledon final defeat to Roger Federer will spur him on as he bids to end Britain's long wait but the Scot faces a daunting challenge in Djokovic, the world number one and top seed.
Murray will be able draw on the memory of beating the Serbian in the London 2012 Olympics held at Wimbledon -- the pair's only meeting on grass to date -- along with his victory over Djokovic in last year's US Open final.
But he is facing a man who was the 2011 Wimbledon champion, who will be playing in his 11th major final and seeking a seventh title.
Stay with us for live text commentary on all the action from Centre Court ahead of the scheduled start at 2.00pm (1300 GMT).