Andy Murray has become the first British man to win a tennis grand title in 76 years after beating Novak Djokovic in the US Open final.

In an enthralling and at times, tense, final Murray held his nerve to beat the tournament favourite 7-6 (12/10) 7-5 2-6 3-6 6-2, and win the first tennis grand slam for Britain since the days of Fred Perry to provide the perfect climax to a summer of British sport.

It was the fifth time of asking for Murray and in the most dramatic way possible, he took his chance, the Press Association reported.

andy murray

Murray performed his trademark point to the skies after winning against Djokovic

After winning the first two sets, it looked like another chance was slipping through the Scot's fingers when the 2011 champion forced a decider but Murray came through 7-6 (12/10) 7-5 2-6 3-6 6-2.

In a twist of fate, Murray's victory came 79 years to the day since Perry won his first grand slam title at the US Open and ended Britain's 76-year wait for a men's singles grand slam champion.

The 25-year-old also became the first man in history to win Olympic singles gold and the US Open in the same year and emulated coach Ivan Lendl in winning his first grand slam trophy at his fifth attempt.

andy murray us open

Andy Murray celebrates his first Grand Slam title

The final was put back a day for the fifth straight year because of bad weather on Saturday, when Murray had coped well in almost unplayable conditions while Djokovic had not before his match against David Ferrer was suspended.

The wind was certainly the dominant factor in the early stages as the pair exchanged breaks but Murray was again dealing with it better and he moved 4-2 ahead only for Djokovic to fight back.

The James Bond theme played as Sir Sean Connery was shown on the big screen while Sir Alex Ferguson also arrived, with the Manchester United manager sitting in Murray's box.

The two Scottish knights had gatecrashed Murray's press conference on Friday to congratulate their countryman, and he certainly needed the support now.

The rallies got ever longer and more intense and a tie-break was needed to separate them, which turned out to be suitably epic.

fred perry

Murray is the first man to win the tennis grand slam for Britain since the days of Fred Perry

Murray was playing catch-up all the way until he had the first set point at 6-5, which Djokovic saved with a gutsy smash.

It was a pattern that was to become all too familiar as four more times Murray created set point only to miss his opportunity before, on the sixth chance a serve did not come back.

It was only the second set Murray had ever won in a grand slam final and, like the Wimbledon final against Roger Federer, it was the opening set he took.

He went on to lose the next three that day but Djokovic was rattled and Murray reeled off four games in a row at the start of the second set.

The Serb retrieved one break immediately, which seemed a minor detail until Murray faltered serving for the set and was broken again.

It was a big blow after he had held such a commanding lead, and Djokovic was now well and truly out of his slump and pushing to level the match.

us open andy murray

Murray had to win in the fifth set after taking a 2-0 lead

But Murray held for 6-5, celebrating with a yell of 'come on', and it proved a key moment when in the next game Djokovic missed a smash to hand his opponent two set points.

Arthur Ashe roared and, although he saved one with a good serve, a forehand wide sealed it for Murray.

This was now uncharted territory but there was still an awfully long way to go, with Djokovic having demonstrated his ability to come back from seemingly impossible positions many times in the last two years.

Murray also has a tendency to dip at the start of third sets and, although he got out of jail in the first game, in the third he could not prevent Djokovic breaking through.

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Murray played for nearly five hours before winning against the Serb

The Scot had his chance to hit back in the sixth game but Djokovic saved two break points, roaring himself on.

Murray, too, was shouting at himself and he gave an insight into his mental state by revealing his legs felt like jelly, and a poor game allowed the Serb to take a 5-2 lead, which he quickly converted into the set.

Murray badly needed a good start to the fourth set but he did not get it, the Scot's forehand beginning to regularly find the net as Djokovic broke through again.

At least Murray saved a break point to prevent his opponent taking a 3-0 lead, but he was beginning to look rather disconsolate.

kim sears

Murray's girlfriend, Kim Sears, cheered him on to victory

He showed more aggression in the next game to force a break point but Djokovic, fired up by a code violation for taking too long before serving, held on.

Murray was playing well again, though, and had Djokovic literally on his backside in one astonishing point in the sixth game.

Still the break back would not come, Djokovic serving better than he had at any point all evening, and as the match entered its fifth hour the Serb had his first set point on the Murray serve, taking it when his opponent fired a backhand long.

No one had come back from two sets down to win the US Open since Pancho Gonzalez in 1949 but Djokovic had both momentum and experience on his side.

However, there was a twist at the start of the decider when Murray got a bit of luck with a net cord and a potentially crucial break.

The 25-year-old then showed defensive skills worthy of his opponent to hold for 2-0, whipping up the crowd into a frenzy.

Suddenly Djokovic looked weary and Murray was half way there when the Serb netted a simple forehand to hand his opponent a second straight break.

He had, of course, been in a similar position in the second set only for Djokovic to hit back, and it was deja vu as the Serb pulled one break back straight away.

It was torture for both players' supporters, but some brilliant serving from Murray gave him breathing space, and then suddenly he was a game away.

Djokovic made his opponent wait for the biggest service game of his life as he received treatment to his right thigh, drawing boos from the crowd who clearly felt it was unsporting.

But Murray gave the best response, setting up three championship points and taking the second when Djokovic drilled a forehand long.

After four hours and 54 minutes, the joint longest US Open final in history, Murray had done it, sinking to his knees in delight, disbelief and sheer exhaustion as his family and friends hugged each other and cried. Even Lendl smiled, just about.

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  • 2012 US Open - Day 15

    NEW YORK, NY - SEPTEMBER 10: Andy Murray of Great Britain kisses the US Open championship trophy after defeating Novak Djokovic of Serbia in the men's singles final match on Day Fifteen of the 2012 U.S. Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 10, 2012 in the Flushing neighborhood, of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Chris Trotman/Getty Images for USTA)

  • 2012 US Open - Day 15

    NEW YORK, NY - SEPTEMBER 10: Andy Murray of Great Britain smiles during an interview with Mary Carillo next to Novak Djokovic of Serbia before receiving the championship trophy after his victory in the men's singles final match on Day Fifteen of the 2012 US Open at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 10, 2012 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. Murray defeated Djokovic 7-6, 7-5, 2-6, 3-6, 6-2. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)

  • 2012 US Open - Day 15

    NEW YORK, NY - SEPTEMBER 10: Andy Murray of Great Britain lifts the US Open championship trophy after defeating Novak Djokovic of Serbia in the men's singles final match on Day Fifteen of the 2012 U.S. Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 10, 2012 in the Flushing neighborhood, of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Chris Trotman/Getty Images for USTA)

  • 2012 US Open - Day 15

    NEW YORK, NY - SEPTEMBER 10: Andy Murray of Great Britain celebrates after defeating Novak Djokovic of Serbia in the men's singles final match on Day Fifteen of the 2012 U.S. Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 10, 2012 in the Flushing neighborhood, of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Chris Trotman/Getty Images for USTA)

  • 2012 US Open - Day 15

    NEW YORK, NY - SEPTEMBER 10: Andy Murray of Great Britain celebrates after defeating Novak Djokovic of Serbia in the men's singles final match on Day Fifteen of the 2012 U.S. Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 10, 2012 in the Flushing neighborhood, of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Chris Trotman/Getty Images for USTA)

  • 2012 US Open - Day 15

    NEW YORK, NY - SEPTEMBER 10: Andy Murray of Great Britain celebrates after defeating Novak on Day Fifteen of the 2012 U.S. Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 10, 2012 in the Flushing neighborhood, of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Chris Trotman/Getty Images for USTA)

  • 2012 US Open - Day 15

    NEW YORK, NY - SEPTEMBER 10: Kim Sears, the girlfriend of Andy Murray of Great Britain, Andy Ireland and coach Ivan Lendl celebrate following his victory against Novak Djokovic of Serbia in the men's singles final match on Day Fifteen of the 2012 US Open at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 10, 2012 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. Murray defeated Djokovic 7-6, 7-5, 2-6, 3-6, 6-2. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)

  • 2012 US Open - Day 15

    NEW YORK, NY - SEPTEMBER 10: Andy Murray of Great Britain celebrates after a point during his men's singles final match against Novak Djokovic of Serbia on Day Fifteen of the 2012 U.S. Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 10, 2012 in the Flushing neighborhood, of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Chris Trotman/Getty Images for USTA)

  • 2012 US Open - Day 15

    NEW YORK, NY - SEPTEMBER 10: Andy Murray of Great Britain lifts the US Open championship trophy after defeating Novak Djokovic of Serbia in the men's singles final match on Day Fifteen of the 2012 US Open at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 10, 2012 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. Murray defeated Djokovic 7-6, 7-5, 2-6, 3-6, 6-2. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

  • 2012 US Open - Day 15

    NEW YORK, NY - SEPTEMBER 10: The crowd cheers as Andy Murray of Great Britain celebrates defeating Novak Djokovic of Serbia in the men's singles final match on Day Fifteen of the 2012 US Open at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 10, 2012 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. Murray defeated Djokovic 7-6, 7-5, 2-6, 3-6, 6-2. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)

  • Andy Murray

    Britain's Andy Murray reacts while playing Serbia's Novak Djokovic during the championship match at the 2012 US Open tennis tournament, Monday, Sept. 10, 2012, in New York. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

  • Andy Murray

    Britain's Andy Murray reacts while playing Serbia's Novak Djokovic during the championship match at the 2012 US Open tennis tournament, Monday, Sept. 10, 2012, in New York. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

  • Novak Djokovic

    Serbia's Novak Djokovic reacts while playing against Britain's Andy Murray during the championship match at the 2012 US Open tennis tournament, Monday, Sept. 10, 2012, in New York. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)

  • Novak Djokovic

    Serbia's Novak Djokovic, right, returns a shot to Britain's Andy Murray during the championship match at the 2012 US Open tennis tournament, Monday, Sept. 10, 2012, in New York. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)

  • Andy Murray

    Britain's Andy Murray reacts while playing Serbia's Novak Djokovic during the championship match at the 2012 US Open tennis tournament, Monday, Sept. 10, 2012, in New York. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

  • Novak Djokovic

    Serbia's Novak Djokovic returns a shot to Britain's Andy Murray during the championship match at the 2012 US Open tennis tournament, Monday, Sept. 10, 2012, in New York. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

  • Andy Murray

    Britain's Andy Murray reacts while playing Serbia's Novak Djokovic during the championship match at the 2012 US Open tennis tournament, Monday, Sept. 10, 2012, in New York. (AP Photo/Mike Groll)

  • Kim Sears

    Kim Sears, Andy Murray's girlfriend, applauds after Murray wins a point against Serbia's Novak Djokovic during the championship match at the 2012 US Open tennis tournament, Monday, Sept. 10, 2012, in New York. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)

  • Novak Djokovic

    A trainer works on Serbia's Novak Djokovic during his match against Britain's Andy Murray during the championship match at the 2012 US Open tennis tournament, Monday, Sept. 10, 2012, in New York. Djokovic lost the match. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

  • Andy Murray

    Britain's Andy Murray reacts after beating Serbia's Novak Djokovic in the championship match at the 2012 US Open tennis tournament, Monday, Sept. 10, 2012, in New York. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)

  • Andy Murray

    Britain's Andy Murray reacts while playing against Serbia's Novak Djokovic during the championship match at the 2012 US Open tennis tournament, Monday, Sept. 10, 2012, in New York. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)

  • Andy Murray

    Britain's Andy Murray reacts after beating Serbia's Novak Djokovic in the championship match at the 2012 US Open tennis tournament, Monday, Sept. 10, 2012, in New York. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)

  • Andy Murray

    Britain's Andy Murray reacts after beating Serbia's Novak Djokovic in the championship match at the 2012 US Open tennis tournament, Monday, Sept. 10, 2012, in New York. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)

  • Andy Murray

    Britain's Andy Murray reacts after beating Serbia's Novak Djokovic in the championship match at the 2012 US Open tennis tournament, Monday, Sept. 10, 2012, in New York. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)

  • Andy Murray

    Britain's Andy Murray poses with the trophy after beating Serbia's Novak Djokovic in the championship match at the 2012 US Open tennis tournament, Monday, Sept. 10, 2012, in New York. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)

  • Andy Murray

    Britain's Andy Murray poses with the trophy after beating Serbia's Novak Djokovic in the championship match at the 2012 US Open tennis tournament, Monday, Sept. 10, 2012, in New York. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)

  • Andy Murray

    Britain's Andy Murray reacts after beating Serbia's Novak Djokovic in the championship match at the 2012 US Open tennis tournament, Monday, Sept. 10, 2012, in New York. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)

  • Ivan Lendl

    Ivan Lendl smiles after Britain's Andy Murray beat Serbia's Novak Djokovic in the championship match at the 2012 US Open tennis tournament, Monday, Sept. 10, 2012, in New York. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

  • Andy Murray

    Britain's Andy Murray poses with the trophy after beating Serbia's Novak Djokovic in the championship match at the 2012 US Open tennis tournament, Monday, Sept. 10, 2012, in New York. (AP Photo/Mike Groll)

  • Andy Murray

    Britain's Andy Murray, left, poses with the trophy after beating Serbia's Novak Djokovic in the championship match at the 2012 US Open tennis tournament, Monday, Sept. 10, 2012, in New York. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

  • Andy Murray

    Britain's Andy Murray poses with the trophy after beating Serbia's Novak Djokovic in the championship match at the 2012 US Open tennis tournament, Monday, Sept. 10, 2012, in New York. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)

  • Andy Murray

    Britain's Andy Murray reacts after beating Serbia's Novak Djokovic in the championship match at the 2012 US Open tennis tournament, Monday, Sept. 10, 2012, in New York. His considerable lead, and a chance at history, slipping away, Murray dug deep for stamina and mental strength, outlasting Novak Djokovic in a thrilling five-set U.S. Open final. It had been 76 years since a British man won a Grand Slam singles championship and, at least as far as Murray was concerned, it was well worth the wait. (AP Photo/Mike Groll)

  • Andy Murray

    Britain's Andy Murray poses with the trophy after beating Serbia's Novak Djokovic in the championship match at the 2012 US Open tennis tournament, Monday, Sept. 10, 2012, in New York. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)

  • Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray

    Britain's Andy Murray poses with the trophy after beating Serbia's Novak Djokovic, left, in the championship match at the 2012 US Open tennis tournament, Monday, Sept. 10, 2012, in New York. His considerable lead, and a chance at history, slipping away, Murray dug deep for stamina and mental strength, outlasting Djokovic in a thrilling five-set U.S. Open final. (AP Photo/Mike Groll)

  • Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray

    Britain's Andy Murray poses with Serbia's Novak Djokovic after the championship match at the 2012 US Open tennis tournament, Monday, Sept. 10, 2012, in New York. His considerable lead, and a chance at history, slipping away, Murray dug deep for stamina and mental strength, outlasting Djokovic in a thrilling five-set U.S. Open final. (AP Photo/Mike Groll)

  • Andy Murray

    Britain's Andy Murray poses with the trophy after beating Serbia's Novak Djokovic in the championship match at the 2012 US Open tennis tournament, Monday, Sept. 10, 2012, in New York. Murray vs. Djokovic was a test of will as much as skill, lasting 4 hours, 54 minutes, tying the record for longest U.S. Open final. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

  • Andy Murray

    Britain's Andy Murray poses with the trophy after beating Serbia's Novak Djokovic in the championship match at the 2012 US Open tennis tournament, Monday, Sept. 10, 2012, in New York. His considerable lead, and a chance at history, slipping away, Murray dug deep for stamina and mental strength, outlasting Djokovic in a thrilling five-set U.S. Open final. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

  • Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray

    Britain's Andy Murray poses with the trophy after beating Serbia's Novak Djokovic inMurray vs. Djokovic was a test of will as much as skill, lasting 4 hours, 54 minutes, tying the record for longest U.S. Open final. the championship match at the 2012 US Open tennis tournament, Monday, Sept. 10, 2012, in New York. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

  • Andy Murray

    Britain's Andy Murray reacts after beating Serbia's Novak Djokovic in the championship match at the 2012 US Open tennis tournament, Monday, Sept. 10, 2012, in New York. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

  • Andy Murray

    Britain's Andy Murray poses with the trophy after beating Serbia's Novak Djokovic in the championship match at the 2012 US Open tennis tournament, Monday, Sept. 10, 2012, in New York. Murray vs. Djokovic was a test of will as much as skill, lasting 4 hours, 54 minutes, tying the record for longest U.S. Open final. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

  • Andy Murray

    Britain's Andy Murray reacts while playing Serbia's Novak Djokovic during the championship match at the 2012 US Open tennis tournament, Monday, Sept. 10, 2012, in New York. (AP Photo/Mike Groll)

  • Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray

    Britain's Andy Murray poses with the trophy after defeating Serbia's Novak Djokovic in the championship match at the U.S. Open tennis tournament, Monday, Sept. 10, 2012, in New York. Murray won 7-6 (10), 7-5, 2-6, 3-6, 6-2. (AP Photo/Mike Groll)

  • Novak Djokovic

    Serbia's Novak Djokovic reacts while playing Britain's Andy Murray during the championship match at the 2012 US Open tennis tournament, Monday, Sept. 10, 2012, in New York. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)

  • Britain's Andy Murray reacts after beating Serbia's Novak Djokovic in the championship match at the 2012 US Open tennis tournament, Monday, Sept. 10, 2012, in New York. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

  • Novak Djokovic

    Serbia's Novak Djokovic reacts while playing against Britain's Andy Murray during the championship match at the 2012 US Open tennis tournament, Monday, Sept. 10, 2012, in New York. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

  • The New York City skyline is seen from the Arthur Ashe Stadium during the championship match between Serbia's Novak Djokovic and Britain's Andy Murray at the 2012 US Open tennis tournament, Monday, Sept. 10, 2012, in New York. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

  • The championship match between Britain's Andy Murray and Serbia's Novak Djokovic is shown on a big screen as the sun sets behind the New York City skyline at the 2012 US Open tennis tournament, Monday, Sept. 10, 2012, in New York. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

  • Novak Djokovic

    Serbia's Novak Djokovic changes his shoes during a championship match against Britain's Andy Murray at the 2012 US Open tennis tournament, Monday, Sept. 10, 2012, in New York. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

  • Novak Djokovic

    Serbia's Novak Djokovic returns a shot to Britain's Andy Murray during the championship match at the 2012 US Open tennis tournament, Monday, Sept. 10, 2012, in New York. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)

  • Supporters From Andy Murray's Home Town Cheer Him On During The US Open

    DUNBLANE, SCOTLAND - SEPTEMBER 10: Fans of tennis player Andy Murray cheer as they watch him win the US Open men's singles final match against Novak Djokovic in the bar of The Dunblane Hotel on September 10, 2012 in his hometown of Dunblane, Scotland. Andy Murray captured his first Grand Slam winning 7-6 (12-10) 7-5 2-6 3-6 6-2 in four hours 54 minutes at Arthur Ashe Stadium. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)

  • 2012 US Open - Day 15

    NEW YORK, NY - SEPTEMBER 10: Alex Ferguson, manager of Manchester United smiles following Andy Murray of Great Britain's victory in men's singles final match against Novak Djokovic of Serbia on Day Fifteen of the 2012 US Open at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 10, 2012 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)