Murray hits the roof over covered Centre Court

Switzerland’s Roger Federer (L) stands with the trophy with runner-up Britain’s Andy Murray (R) after his men’s singles final victory on day 13 of the 2012 Wimbledon Championships tennis tournament at the All England Tennis Club in Wimbledon, southwest London. Federer won the match 4-6, 7-5, 6-3, 6-4.

LONDON - Wimbledon runner-up Andy Murray claimed his hopes of defeating Roger Federer in the final were badly affected once the Centre Court roof was shut.

Murray was giving six-time champion Federer a tough time in Sunday’s final when a torrential downpour sent the players scurrying for the changing rooms at one set all and 1-1 in the third set.

The Scot, who failed to become the first British man to win Wimbledon since 1936, felt that was a crucial moment because indoor tennis, where no outside elements can affect his game, is Federer’s favourite domain.

“Of course it changed it a bit,” Murray said after his 4-6, 7-5, 6-3, 6-4 defeat. “The way the court plays is a bit different. I think he served very well when the roof closed.

“He served better. I don’t think he’s lost an indoor match since 2010, so he plays well under the roof.”

With his serve working well, Murray believes Federer was also able to take more chances when attacking the Scot’s delivery.

“When we came out after the break he was more aggressive on my serve. I maybe didn’t serve as well under the roof as I did the first couple of sets,” Murray said.

“He has excellent timing, so when there’s no wind or anything under the roof, he times the ball very, very well.

“He was able to go for his shots a bit more and felt a bit more secure probably.”