In the end it was one match too far as Andy Murray failed to make Wimbledon history by becoming the first British men's champion for more than 70 years.
But it was not through lack of effort or support and in Leicester city centre, tennis fans served up their own slice of Murraymania.
London has "Henman Hill" and "Murray Mound" and on Sunday 8 July Leicester had its very own tribute in "Murray's Mall".
As millions of TV viewers watched at home, a small army of Murray fans gathered at the big screen in Humberstone Gate, at first in sunshine, which then gave way to showers.
Murray had become the first British man to get to a Wimbledon men's singles final since runner-up Bunny Austin in 1938, and was trying to become the first winner since the late Fred Perry, who triumphed two years before that.
However, the gallant Scot finally went down by three sets to one at the hands of Roger Federer.
Lynne Needham, 40, of Leicester city centre, who witnessed the end, said: "I think Andy put up a good show but it was not to be."
Rose Gallemit, 50, of Evington, said: "I thoroughly enjoyed the match here. I really wanted Murray to win but Federer was just too good for him."
Earlier in the day, 100 seats put out by Leicester City Council were snapped up and there was standing room only for the rest as the shopping precinct in front of the giant TV screen buzzed with excitement.
The sun shone as Murray won the first set but then the heavens opened as his opponent Roger Federer claimed the second.
Tennis fan Muriel Russell, 47, brought her very own bit of Wimbledon with her in a cool bag.
Muriel, a volunteer worker who lives in the city centre, said: "I have brought my cocktail shaker.
"I could have watched it home on my own but I thought it would be much more fun to come here."
Rahul Mane stopped to take in the match as he and his family shopped in Leicester.
Rahul, 32, of Bath Lane, between the River Soar and St Nicholas Circle, said: "This is fabulous. I don't think my three-year-old son understands what was going on but he waved his flag."
Former under-18 county tennis players and sisters Hannah and Becks Carter, from Ashby, enjoyed a grandstand seat.
Becks, 34, said: "It is great to be here and we are loving the atmosphere.
"It is good to see so many people rooting for the British guy."
Leicester City Council not only provided the seats but also put out three table tennis tables and enrolled stiltwalkers.
Laura Hailstone, festival and events officer, said: "The public has responded brilliantly to the screenings of the finals."
Courtesy of Leicester Mercury