I'm ready to talk about my pain

It is only now, 72 hours on from the devastating disappointment the nation suffered om the pristine lawns of SW19, I feel able to speak about events.

True, history was made that day, as a Brit contested the final for the first time in 74 years. But we all knew that wasn't enough; we wanted so desperately for him to take it one stage further and avenge the accumulated humiliation we have endured even longer- 76 years. It is not until then that I can die a little happier knowing we have had at least one winner in my lifetime.

My bro tex me after the game saying what a shame, etc. I tex back saying I feared that, having failed to exploit the highly advantageous sequence of events that acted in his favour, specifically not having to meet Nadal in the semi-final, where he would surely have lost, he may never have another chance as good as this. My bro encouragingly reminded me that he did indeed have several more chances.

Murray is 25. That means he's got 4 more shots at Wimbledon, and of course 4 more shots at all the other Grand Slam events too. Do I detect a ray of hope, even of optimism breaking through my slough of Despond? Can I perhaps discern a continuum, an arc of improvement, with Murray sailing on it, dare I believe, all the wsay to the ultimate prize?

He's been to semi-finals, even a couple of finals and now he's even been in a final on the hallowed turf. Lendl seems a good influence, presumably reminding Murray again and again of what is required to win: concentrate on positive thoughts and to drive out any negative ones. It's what all great champions have mastered: they know it's the only way to win. In other words he must acquire that harsh, deeply ingrained grit that brings a player through the great tournaments because they want it more than anyone else and won't give up until they get it.

4 more chances. 16 grand slam events, 17 if you count the upcoming US Open. Could he win there? I wouldn't put it past him. I still have faith in the lad: he's got so much talent, if he can build the iron in the soul I still think he could make me die a slightly happier old git.