The United Kingdom had not produced a Wimbledon champion in 77 years — until Andy Murray on Sunday. Murray’s win over Novak Djokovic captivated an entire nation, and now some people — including the highest of high-ranking political figures — are suggesting that the Scotsman should be knighted.
In ancient times, knighthood was strictly a military rank, but since the 17th century, the title has been used as an honor recognizing “significant contributions to national life,” according to the official website of the British monarchy. Candidates are nominated by members of the public and are passed through a committee before receiving the consideration of the prime minister and then the queen of England.
Though he has no power to nominate Murray, the U.K.’s current prime minister says the 26-year-old is absolutely deserving.
“I can’t think of anyone who deserves one more,” U.K. prime minister David Cameron told the BBC. “It was a fantastic day for Andy Murray, for British tennis and for Britain.
“We were wondering on Sunday morning, ‘Do we dare to dream that this is possible?’ and he proved absolutely that it was.”
Murray, for his part, was humble about the suggestion that he should receive one of the country’s highest honors.
“It’s a nice thing to have or be offered, but I don’t know if it merits that,” Murray said.
Either way, the mere suggestion by such a powerful political figure shows just how important Murray’s win was to his nation.
