Tonight he could power his way into history.

When 21-year-old Andy Murray walks onto the Arthur Ashe court at Flushing Meadows he will know that the last time a male British tennis player won a Grand Slam singles event was in 1936, when Fred Perry took the US Open title that he will now compete for against Roger Federer.

The powerful, aggressive tennis Murray used to devastating effect to defeat Rafael Nadal, the world No 1, may be a long way from the more gentlemanly days of Perry, but is certain to be deployed again when he faces the reigning US champion, whose form has faltered this year.

Murray, who is sponsored by Fred Perry clothing, will be aiming to go one better than Greg Rusedski, who lost his US Open final to Pat Rafter in 1997, the last appearance by a Briton in a Grand Slam final.

Murray's dramatic late-night win prompted messages of congratulations from Downing Street and from Scottish First Minister Alex Salmon.

Tennis fans, starved of British success, will be hoping that the burden of expectation, which often seemed too much for Tim Henman, will be carried far more easily by Murray, whose sheer physical strength helped him beat Nadal.

Murray's new found physicality - which he displayed when he pulled back his sleeve at Wimbledon to reveal bulging muscles - is a product of the rigorous gym routine he has set himself, aided by the group of trainers and specialists known as Team Murray. He is said to be happier working with the group, whom he says have "no egos" but push him hard.

Resuming the rain-interrupted match two sets ahead but 2-3 down in the third, the Scot faced a rejuvenated Nadal who seemed much more determined than he had been the previous afternoon and went on to take the third set. But Murray survived a break of serve, broke back to level at 3-3 and went on to take the fourth set and the match 6-2, 7-6 (7-5), 4-6, 6-4.

Among those cheering on the Scot alongside his mother Judy and girlfriend-Kim Sears were the US comedian Will Ferrell, who entertained the crowd by mimicking Murray's "muscle moment" and Sir Richard Branson.

Murray made it clear after the biggest win of his career that his personality is more suited to New York than the manicured laws of Wimbledon.

He said: "I always love playing at Wimbledon; no question about that. But, since I came here as a junior (at 15), it was the first time I ever stayed in a five-star hotel. New York is one of my favourite cities. I love it.'' A win for Murray-currently No 4 in the world, would cement his position at the very top of tennis and cap an astonishing summer for British sport following the Olympic golds.

Murray, who had never beaten Nadal, has a much better record against Federer, leading their contests 2-1. But the Swiss is still a formidable player and will want to hang on to his title.

Federer has also had an extra 24 hours' rest after winning his semi before Saturday's rain. "Ideally, I think you'd want to be in his position," said Murray. "But it's a Grand Slam final and I'm not going to let 24 hours of rest or having to play today or whatever get in the way of giving 110%. ''

Downing Street said Gordon Brown stayed up late to watch the game. A spokesman said: "It was a fabulous performance by Andy Murray and a fantastic victory."

TV coverage of the final starts on Sky Sports 1 at 10pm tonight.

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