Murray, who has spent his career facing down criticism over his battle-hard, dour countenance, melted most of the 15,000 crowd as he faltered through his runners-up speech.

The Scot, bidding to become the first British man to win Wimbledon since 1936, was clearly overcome with emotion once his dreams had finally been shattered in a 4-6, 7-5, 6-3, 6-4 defeat.