Andy Murray: US Open success 'means the world to me'

Andy Murray says his US Open win "means the world" and that he is relieved to have ended Britain's long search for another male Grand Slam champion.

The Scot, 25, beat Novak Djokovic in five sets to claim his first major.

"It is what I have been working towards for the last 10 years of my life," Murray told BBC Sport in New York. "It means the world to me."

The last British man to win a Grand Slam title was Fred Perry, who won the US Open in 1936, 76 years ago.

Murray has long been tipped to emulate Perry, who won eight majors, but had lost in his four previous Grand Slam finals.

He finally ended his barren run at the fifth attempt, beating defending champion and world number two Djokovic 7-6 (12-10) 7-5 2-6 3-6 6-2 in a contest at Flushing Meadows that lasted almost five hours.

"I think everyone is in a little bit of shock that it has happened," said Murray, speaking to the media after his win. "I've seen my mum after I've lost Slam finals and she has been really upset. Everyone's really happy.

"It is hard to explain. It has been a long, long journey to this point, so I don't know if it is disbelief or whatever, but I am very, very happy on the inside. I'm sorry if I'm not showing it as you would like."

Asked what it felt like to end Britain's lengthy wait for a male Grand Slam winner, Murray replied: "I've been reminded of that most days of my life for the last few years. It's great to have finally done it and I don't need to get asked that anymore."

Murray said the disappointment of losing to Roger Federer in the Wimbledon final in July was tough to take but added he was proud of the way he had reacted, beating Federer to win Olympic gold last month and now Djokovic to win his first major.

"To come back in the next Grand Slam and to win it in a five-set match against Djokovic on a hard court - he hasn't lost for a couple of years on a hard court in a Grand Slam - is unbelievable," said Murray.

He said it would have been hard to recover had he lost a fifth major final.

"I'm very, very happy to come through," he said. "If I had lost this one from two sets up, it would have been tough to take."

Asked what had been the key to success at Flushing Meadows, Murray said: "I have kept improving.

"I have worked hard all the time, even after the tough losses. I have had a fairly solid team around me as well for a long time."

He also credited coach Ivan Lendl after teaming up with the former world number one and eight-time Grand Slam winner in January.

"Having Ivan Lendl around has definitely helped, not just me but the rest of the team as well, having someone of his experience, especially in these situations," said Murray.

"He's got his name on that trophy three times and made the final eight times in a row. It really helps having him around."

Murray said he also hoped his win "inspires some kids to play tennis" and "takes away the notion that British tennis players choke or don't win".

He also insisted British tennis was "in a good place right now" and praised the achievements of Laura Robson, with whom he won Olympic silver in the mixed doubles, and junior Liam Broady.

"Laura's done very well, the Olympics was great for us and Liam Broady was in the final here in the juniors," said Murray. "I hope it stays that way."