Andy Murray has been backed to win up to 10 grand slam titles following his victory at Wimbledon, which received the royal seal of approval from the queen of England.
Murray ended Britain's 77-year long wait for a home champion in the men's singles on Sunday when he recorded what looked, on paper at least, to be an easy 6-4, 7-5, 6-4 victory over Novak Djokovic, the world No 1.
The win was, though, much harder than it seemed. The Scot showed immense courage and athleticism to defy the searing temperatures on Centre Court and overcome an opponent regarded by many as one of the best the game has ever seen.
It was for that reason that the pundits were queuing up to shower praise on the British No 1 and tip him for future stardom.
Murray broke his grand slam duck last year when he beat Djokovic to win the US Open, and Mats Wilander, the Swede who won seven grand slam titles in the 1980s, believes Murray could be on course for a big haul.
"I think Andy Murray can win six, seven, eight, nine, 10 majors," Wilander said on Live@Wimbledon. "The only man that can stop him is Novak Djokovic.
"These two here are going to decide who gets ahead in the history books.
"I hope they both decide this is a rivalry that's just going to grow and become great on all the different surfaces, in all four majors."
Buckingham Palace said the queen sent a private message to the Scot following his victory, which came with the backing of a buoyant crowd.
"I can confirm that the Queen has sent a private message to Andy Murray following his Wimbledon victory," a Buckingham Palace spokeswoman said.
A host of politicians from either side of Hadrian's Wall gathered in the Royal Box to cheer Murray on, including the prime minister David Cameron.
"It was fantastic, it was an absolutely brilliant performance, an amazing day for Andy Murray but also an incredible day for British tennis and for Britain," he told BBC News afterwards.
"He's an amazing player but what he showed today is not only how brilliant he is technically but also he's got this incredible courage.
"You are playing against Djokovic, who's the great artist of comebacks and never gives up and Murray just kept going.
"He was magnificent.
"It felt like the Olympics, it felt like one of those moments when the whole country is watching and there is just an amazing sportsman who's dedicated his life and had wanted to win so badly and then just producing a performance that was exquisite."
Scottish first minister Alex Salmond, who was also in the Royal Box and unfurled a Saltire after the match ended, said it was a "truly phenomenal victory".
"Andy's determination to win was visible in every point and he delivered an outstanding result in a real clash of tennis titans," he said.
"His phenomenal performance against the world number one displayed incredible physical prowess and depths of mental fortitude."
Other reactions on Twitter
"Can't believe what's just happened!!!!!!!" – Andy Murray
"Just landed,so sad to miss this historic moment!!well done sir @andy_murray !!!"
– Tomas Berdych
"Dreams do come true when you work hard! Congratulations @andy_murray. @judmoo must be so proud!!! #tears."
– Tracy Austin
"All winners need a great team. Well done Ivan Lendl & Team Murray for the fabulous win at #wimbledon. Can't wait for the US Open."
– Richard Branson
"Yes my husband #rocked his kilt today in support of @andy_murray he even wore this @Wimbledon w/guns and roses T '08."
– Bethanie Mattek-Sands
"England are gonna win the world cup now! #dreamsarecomimgtrue."
– Oliver Golding
"Congratulations @andy_murray "it was all a blur!" What an incredible effort! #BRILLIANTBRIT."
– Nick Faldo
"What an incredible day!! So proud of my lil bro! What a champion!!"
– Jamie Murray
"Andy Murray?not many deserve it more.."
– Sania Mirza
"Just creeped past the match time of the ladies final yesterday.#notquitedoneyet...These guys won't be able to stand if they play 5 .."
– Andy Roddick
"Have you ever met anyone that has had their arm broken by a swan?"
– Tim Henman
"Wow....I've gone n got me coat as I've got chills watching this! What a moment. Serving for the championship
– Rio Ferdinand
"I'm really jealous of Kim Sears' hair. REALLY jealous. And yes, I had to google "jealous" to spell it right."
– Andrea Petkovic
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