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Ten million glued to Andy Murray's magnificent comeback on TV
Jack Lefley and Shekhar Bhatia1 Jul 2008
Nearly half of all TV viewers watched Andy Murray's epic victory on Centre Court.
The BBC said 10.5 million people tuned in last night to see the culmination of the British No 1's victory over Richard Gasquet.
A BBC spokeswoman said that was a 44.7 per cent share of the audience, and more people watched the match than last year's men's final.
"Four million people were watching before the 6pm news on BBC 1. That had risen to 5.5 million by 8pm on BBC 2. Then the switch to BBC1 at 8.30pm produced a stunning peak audience of 10.5 million by 9.30pm," she added.
The BBC's much anticipated five-night drama Criminal Justice had its first transmission delayed from 9pm to 9.35pm because of Murray's incredible comeback.
The player was said to be having a "long lie-in" today after the five-set marathon triumph, before some physiotherapy and a practice session later.
Wimbledon Park and Golf Club was already filling up this morning with campers hopeful of getting tickets for his quarter-final clash with Spanish star Rafael Nadal tomorrow.
But rain was forecast despite wilting heat at the All England Club today. The temperature was expected to hit around 28C later today with conditions on Centre Court and Court 1 for the women's quarter-finals likely to be even warmer.
Sales of sun hats, sun cream, bottles of water and Pimm's were up as spectators prepared themselves for the long hot haul.
Reigning champion Venus Williams was playing Thailand's Tamarine Tanasugarn on Court 1. Venus's sister Serena was to face Pole Agnieszka Radwanska on Centre Court.
Elena Dementieva will face Nadia Petrova in an all-Russian affair and wild card Jie Zheng of China will battle Czech 18th seed Nicole Vaidisova.
Students Rosie Spendlove, Nathalie Blackburn, Eddie Idemudia and Toshky Denman were among the fans on the rechristened Murray Mount.
Rosie, 21, of Streatham, said: "Centre Court was a bit too expensive for us but on a day like today it's far better to be out here."
Toshky, 22, of Washington, Sussex, added: "We've come with plenty of sun cream so we should be OK."
Fans were still talking about Murray's electrifying performance in last night's gathering darkness. Many felt it was a turning point in the Scot's relationship with the British crowd.
Jason Wright and his girlfriend Sam Hopper of Chingford could not believe that Murray had snatched victory after being two sets down.
Ms Hopper said: "We had to watch it on TV but it was the most amazing match I've ever seen. I think that's a turning point for him because the crowd really got behind him. Come on, Andy!"
• A 48-year-old ticket tout was arrested for attempting to commit fraud by misrepresentation at Wimbledon yesterday. He was cautioned and released.
Reader views (2)
Any one but that miserable git Murray.
- Jane, West Country, England., 02/07/2008 09:23
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I trust the LTA is on top of this. You have to jump through hoops to get Wimbledon tickets and I trust the original owners get banned for life. That will give a bigger chance to true fans to watch some tennis.
- Paul, London, 01/07/2008 13:46
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