ANDY Murray was the pride of Scotland as he became the first British man in 74 years to reach a Wimbledon singles final after a gruelling and gutsy victory over Frenchman Jo-Wilfried Tsonga.
Murray Mania hit new levels as the nation celebrated the prospect of the first British winner of the famous All England Club title since Fred Perry in 1936.
If he beats six-time Wimbledon champion Roger Federer in tomorrow's final, Murray would also be the first Scot to ever win Wimbledon.
First Minister Alex Salmond led the praise for Murray saying: "The whole of Scotland will be right behind Andy on Sunday, and I'll be there in person to help cheer him on."
A congratulatory message also came from Prime Minister David Cameron.
In a statement, he said: "It is great news that we have our first home-grown men's finalist at Wimbledon for over 70 years, especially in this exciting Olympics year when the eyes of the world are on the UK.
"I'll be watching the final on Sunday and like the rest of the country, will be getting right behind Andy Murray – I wish him the best of luck."
Downing Street also confirmed the Scottish Saltire will fly alongside the Union flag above number 10 tomorrow.
Fans on Murray Mount in Wimbledon cheered as the Scot won his place in the final, twirling Union Flag umbrellas.
Packed pubs in Murray's hometown of Dunblane also got into the Wimbledon spirit by serving strawberries and cream to customers.
Murray's grandmother, Shirley Erskine, who watched the match with husband Roy in their Dunblane home, said: "It's wonderful to see Andy get in to the final.
"We were down in London all last week but we said we'd go back if he made the final, so we're making plans – we wouldn't miss it for the world.
"Andy's worked so hard and he was quite emotional at the end.
"We're so proud. I'm thrilled to bits for him."
In the Royal Box to watch the victory was Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, while the Duke of York was also present, along with Princess Michael of Kent and Lady Annabel Goldsmith.
Celebrities who watched the history-making tie included pop star Kylie Minogue, journalist Sir David Frost, legendary Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar and former Wimbledon champions Rod Laver and Goran Ivanisevic.
Ivanisevic, who beat Tim Henman in the last four on his way to winning Wimbledon as a wild-card entry in 2001, said Murray must now seize his chance.
"It's great for British tennis, for Scottish tennis. It's been such a long time, but if he doesn't win the press will hammer him," he said.
"He needs to win somehow. I wish him all the best because he deserves to win a grand slam."
Henman saluted Murray's effort saying: "It was unbelievable. I just hope he's got enough physical and emotional energy left. It was a draining match.
"He's got one monkey off his back with the nation's first finalist in 74 years, so why not kill two birds with one stone [by winning his first Grand Slam title]?"
Richard Krajicek, who won at Wimbledon in 1996, admitted the manner of Murray's win over Tsonga was exhilarating.
"Unbelievable," the Dutchman said. "I've got goosebumps. It's amazing. It's so nice to see such a great guy do well. He gets so much criticism and he has now overcome it.
"There was so much negativity about him and this performance was the only way he could overcome that."
Murray's former coach Miles Maclagan lauded the Scot's nerve, saying: "All the hard physical work was the easy part for Andy today. It's the steel backbone that he showed in the tough moments which has left me in awe."
Maclagan, who now coaches Marcos Baghdatis, who was Murray's third-round victim, added: "I feel emotionally drained. You could see his relief at the end. It was a big moment for him and he has deserved it."
If Murray takes the title tomorrow, bookmakers William Hill are predicting the betting industry will pay out around £5 million. Murray is at 13/8 to lift the trophy, with Federer the favourite at 4/9.
Federer, who is aiming to equal Pete Sampras's Wimbledon record of seven wins, accepts he will receive fewer cheers at Centre Court than his opponent, but said he was looking forward to facing the local hero regardless.
"I always say that whatever country I am in, I like to play the local hero and that's what Andy is here at Wimbledon," he said.
"I think what is so particular about this country is that there's so much attention on that one player, which is Andy Murray. Let's be happy that he's such a great player that he lets that sort of hype last.
"He's only going to get better as time goes by. That's what he's been proving and I think he's handled it very well."
Fans and celebrities celebrated the win on Twitter.
Liverpool and Scotland midfielder Charlie Adam said: "Well done Andy Murray. A true Scotsman."
Meanwhile, London mayor Boris Johnson took the Royal approach: "Well done Andy Murray! Let's hope he can do in this Jubilee year what Virginia Wade did when she won in 1977 during the Silver Jubilee!"
In his post-match press conference, Tsonga said everything for Murray would be a "bonus" now.
But he said it would be tough, because he needs to recover from the semi, saying: "He looked pretty tired at the end, so I don't know how he will be physically."
Among the politicians to hail Murray's achievement was Jeremy Hunt, secretary of state for culture, media and sport, who said: "What an incredible win by Andy Murray today. A great performance against a tough opponent.
"The first Brit in a Wimbledon men's final since 1938 is an amazing moment in a fantastic summer for British sport."
Scottish Secretary Michael Moore added: "Andy Murray fully deserves his place on the greatest tennis stage of all this Sunday.
"He has been knocking on the door for the past few years and now he is the first ever Scot to make it to the Wimbledon men's final.
"It is a fantastic personal achievement which makes all of us proud. For him, his family and all his team this is a great moment. Everyone across the country will be wiling him on, as they have over the years."
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