Eight million people – almost half of all people watching television on Saturday night –witnessed the world number four power his way into the fourth round under the £100 million retractable roof over Centre Court.
The BBC revealed the figures hit their peak 15 minutes before Murray's match against Cypriot Marco Baghdatis concluded at 11.02pm.
Murray got the result two minutes beyond an extended curfew granted to the All England Club. As his opponent hit a forehand that sailed over the line, the referee was anxiously pacing up and down with a walkie-talkie in his hand.
Under Merton Council licensing laws the official could not have allowed another game to be contested, and Murray and his opponent could have been left in suspense until today. But the referee was spared the decision when Murray defeated Baghdatis 7-5, 3-6, 7-5, 6-1 after three hours and 13 minutes.
Murray admitted he would have paid any fine imposed after breaking the curfew – just to get the match finished in one night.
He said: "I was going to say at 5-1 that I would have been happy to spot any fine the club may get as long as we could finish the match. It will be interesting to see what they say about breaking the curfew. I was just glad they let us finish."
Stephen Alambritis, leader of Merton Council, said "We take the commonsense approach and pre-agreed with the All England Lawn Tennis Club that they can use their discretion depending on how the match is progressing We appreciate we need to be reasonably flexible with timing, but at the same time, respect the fact that the tennis is in a residential area."
Murray will meet Croatian Marin Cilic in the fourth round later today. He is second on Court One – although as rain is forecast, it could mean another late night for his growing league of avid tennis fans.
A host of stars have been packing into the championships over the weekend – and there was even room for Hollywood icon Dustin Hoffman. Murray's mother, Judy, tweeted: "By popular demand. Here is Dustin Hoffman eyeballing the centre court from our box y'day. With his pint. Nice touch."
The new closing roof at Wimbledon's Centre Court appears to have opened a whole new ball-game of late-night viewing, record viewing figures and a return for family viewing.
The roof – installed four years ago to allow for play in rain and after nightfall – was a significant feature of a dramatic first week at the All England Club, with Centre Court covered while Rafael Nadal lost to Lukas Rosol, and Roger Federer fought back from two sets down against Julien Benne at 10pm.
l The harris hawk that patrols Wimbledon to deter pigeons has been found safe and well three days after being stolen.
Rufus was taken, along with his cage, from a car parked in the grounds of the All England Club last week. The owner had left the vehicle windows open.
