Great Scott: Murray takes down Federer

Britain's Andy Murray completed an astonishing recovery from last month's Wimbledon heartache to thrash Switzerland's Roger Federer and win gold at the All England Club yesterday.

Exactly four weeks after Federer had beaten him to take a 17th grand slam title on the same court, reducing Murray to tears in the process, the Scot returned with an army of flag-waving fans to demolish the world's No. 1 tennis player, 6-2 6-1 6-4. It was a dominating performance against Federer, who has beaten Murray three times in Grand Slam finals.

With the din shaking the tennis citadel to its foundations, Murray clambered into the seats to embrace his girlfriend, parents and coaching team before sprinting back to the hallowed turf, leaping into the air as the crowd went wild.

"This is the biggest win of my life," Murray told the BBC. "This is the best way to come back from the Wimbledon final . . . I felt so fresh."

A crestfallen Federer walked off the court where he won seven Wimbledon crowns, knowing defeat had virtually ended his chances of completing the "golden career slam" -- all four grand slam titles and Olympic gold -- as he will be 34 for the next Summer Olympics.

From the moment that Murray moved 4-2 ahead in the first set he was in control, rattling off nine games in a row to seize control.