Andy Murray: First Grand Slam Title Won't Be Last

Many thought he'd never get that elusive Grand Slam title.

Most pundits claimed he didn't have the guile or the big-game ability to hang with the likes of Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal.

Well put those claims to rest, because Andy Murray can join the ranks of the best in tennis as a Grand Slam winner, having won the U.S. Open in grueling fashion over long-time foe Djokovic.

It seems rather fitting that he did so against Djokovic in a match that lasted four hours and 54 minutes.

Djokovic struggled a bit in the second set, but in his typical fashion he fought back and made sure Murray was going to earn every point.

The final tally (7-6, 7-5, 2-6, 3-6, 6-2) speaks to the energy and execution of both men.

Heading into the Open, Murray had his fair share of supporters. Many believed he was riding a wave of stellar play this year, specifically his impressive Gold Medal win during the 2012 Olympics against Federer.

It seemed like everything was working in his favor. For Murray, this was the second time he had gone toe-to-toe with Djokovic in a Grand Slam final. It was also the first time they had met at Flushing Meadows, so heading into the final match it felt like a toss up.

Murray put a lot of skepticism to rest with this victory, though. There have been very good tennis players who have been to the pinnacle and have been unable to claim that final, elusive title.

In fact, had Murray not won a title you would still be hard pressed to name the best of this era without throwing his in the mix.

But that conjecture is for another time. Now, we get to enjoy another great player winning a title. It's also hard to believe this is a one-and-done ordeal for the British star.

Having beat Djokovic and Federer in title matches this year, Murray can now play without that question being asked of him.

Can he beat the best when it matters?

He sure can, and I can't imagine this stopping anytime soon.