Murray mania turns to misery: Andy, Kim and Kate all emotional on Centre Court as he loses Wimbledon final to seven-timer Federer

Andy Murray's dream of lifting the Wimbledon trophy ended in tears today after he was soundly beaten in the final by Swiss master Roger Federer.

Federer simply outclassed the 25-year-old Scot to win an astonishing 17th Grand Slam 4-6, 7-5, 6-3, 6-4 and match Pete Sampras's record of seven Wimbledon singles titles  

Being interviewed after the game, an exhausted Murray broke down in tears as he congratulated his opponent. His mother Judy and girlfriend Kim Sears could also be seen sobbing in the stands.  

Gutted: Team Murray - mother Judy, girlfriend Kim Sears and Andy himself - all break down in tears following the Scot's defeat to Roger Federer at Wimbledon today

A word in your ear: Andy Murray congratulates Roger Federer on his record seventh Wimbledon singles title

True champ: (left) Roger Federer celebrates the winning point and (right) he consoles Andy Murray with a hug

Bitter pill to swallow: The pain on Murray's face is plain to see as his dream of becoming the first British Wimbledon singles champion in 76 years slips away

Hard to handle: It was all too much for Murray's girlfriend Kim Sears, who wiped away tears from the stands following his defeat to Federer

Putting on a brave face Murray said: 'I'm getting closer.' 

'I'm going to try this and it's not going to be easy,' the 25-year-old said, to deafening applause.

'First I would like to congratulate Roger, I was getting asked the other day after I won my semi-final, is this your best chance, Roger is 30 now? He isn't bad for a 30-year-old.

'He played a great tournament, he had some struggles early on with his back and showed what a fight he still has in him, so congratulations, you deserve it.'

Speaking about 'Team Murray', he said: 'I'm going to try and not look at them because I'll probably start crying again but everyone who is in that corner over there, who has supported me...we did a great job, so thank you.

By Royal disappointment: The Duchess of Cambridge and her sister Pippa Middleton appear visibly upset as they applaud the finalists

Into the record books: Roger Federer lifts the coveted the trophy for a seventh time equaling the record set by Pete Sampras. It is his 17th Grand Slam title

Not bad for a 30-year-old: Federer beams with delight as he salutes the crowd from the balcony

Blowing kisses: Victorious Roger Federer plays to the crowd from the men's clubhouse balcony as he celebrates with the trophy

Daddy's girls: Roger Federer's wife Mirka and twin daughters Myla Rose and Charlene Riva applaud his victory from the family box

Disappointment: A dejected Andy Murray struggles to put on a brave face as he ponders his defeat and (right) collects his runners up trophy 

Contrast: It's jubilation for Roger Federer (left) but misery for Andy Murray (right) as the 30-year-old Swiss seals victory and a record seventh Wimbledon title    

Dejected: Andy Murray and girlfriend Kim Sears struggle to contain their disappointment as they leave the All England Club 

Magnanimous: A dejected Andy Murray breaks down in tears as he congratulates Roger Federer on camera following the match

'And last of all to you guys,' he said to the crowd. 'Everybody always talks about the pressure of playing at Wimbledon, how difficult it is.

'It's not the people watching, they make it so much easier to play.

'The support has been incredible.'

Federer, who is once again world number one following the victory praised his opponent saying consoled his rival, joking: 'He will at least win one grand slam.'

So near, so far: Die-hard fans on Murray Mound can't bear to watch as Federer eases to victory in the fourth set

Prime Minister David Cameron and London Mayor Boris Johnson as Murray slips to defeat in the fourth and final set

Local hero: Residents in Dunblane, Scotland, Murray's hometown, struggle to contain their disappointmentas they watch the match on a big screen

Federer, whose wife Mirka was watching with their twins Myla Rose and Charlene Riva, said he was delighted to equal Pete Sampras record adding: 'He is my hero and it feels amazing.'

A celebrity-studded crowd, including the Duchess of Cambridge and her sister Pippa Middleton, had cheered Murray on as he got off to a storming start, breaking Federer's serve in the first game and playing with confidence and determination to take the first set.

But in the end Federer, 30, proved just too to tough a nut to crack, as he raised his game in the second and third sets forcing Murray onto the back foot. 

Murray, 25, had hoped to become the first Briton to win the Wimbledon men's singles title in 76 years.

The atmosphere on Centre Court was electric with the crowd - which included the Duchess of Cambridge, her sister Pippa Middleton and the Beckhams - cheering every point.

Crashing out: Murray takes a tumble during the third set as Federer begins to take control of the match

Fall guy: Murray grits his teeth as he takes a tumble in the third set

Title battle: Federer celebrates winning another game as a struggling Murray hurls is racket to the ground in frustration as he struggles to stay in the match 

Andy Murray blasts a forehand back at six-times champion Roger Federer during the tense first set

Standing in the way: Six-times champion Roger Federer is a notoriously tough nut to crack

Holding court: Murray serves to Federer on his way to taking a tense first set by six games to four

Full stretch: Murray makes a tough backhand return in front of a celebrity studded Centre Court