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Wimbledon 2013: Andy Murray's semi-final victory smashes 2013 TV record

13.2 million people watched Murray beat Janowicz and book a place in final

Liam O'Brien
Monday 08 July 2013 11:35 BST
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13.2 million people watched Murray beat Janowicz and book a place in final
13.2 million people watched Murray beat Janowicz and book a place in final (PA)

Andy Murray’s semi-final victory at Wimbledon has become the most-watched TV moment of the year so far, beating the final of ITV’s Britain’s Got Talent.

A peak audience of 13.2 million people watched Murray beat Poland’s Jerzy Janowicz and book a place in tomorrow’s final against Serbia’s Novak Djokovic.

By comparison, Simon Cowell’s Britain’s Got Talent managed a peak audience of 13.1m in June this year on ITV.

Coronation Street has also scored more than 10m viewers this year, while an episode of BBC One’s The Voice managed 9.5m.

Early ratings data suggested that the final of ITV’s acclaimed Broadchurch drama notched up 9.3m as viewers tuned in to find out who killed Danny Latimer.

But even the ratings for Murray’s semi-final could be obliterated on Sunday as he once again attempts to win the most coveted trophy in tennis.

Last year, his final against Roger Federer drew 17m viewers, two thirds of all people in the UK who were watching TV at the time.

On that occasion, the nation sighed as Murray lost to the Swiss player, but now bookies are preparing themselves for a million-pound payout if the 26-year-old takes the title.

William Hill spokesman Rupert Adams said: “This year's Wimbledon has been one of serious shocks including the early exit of Federer, Nadal and Serena Williams and as a result we have had a great run.

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“That said, all good work will be undone in one go should Andy Murray win, he is certain to spark payout of over a million pounds.”

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