Andy Murray receives rousing welcome in hometown

DUNBLANE, Scotland (AP) -- Thousands of people lined the streets in gloomy Scottish weather Sunday to give Andy Murray a rousing welcome to his hometown of

Andy Murray walked slowly through Dunblane's streets as the crowds chanted his name, waved Scottish flags and lifted homemade placards :: Jeff J. Mitchell/Getty Images

DUNBLANE, Scotland (AP) -- Thousands of people lined the streets in gloomy Scottish weather Sunday to give Andy Murray a rousing welcome to his hometown of Dunblane as he celebrated his Olympic and U.S. Open victories.

Britain's first men's Grand Slam winner in 76 years arrived on an open-top bus before walking slowly through the town's streets, signing autographs as the crowds chanted his name, waved Scottish flags and lifted homemade placards.

"So many people, so much support, it's been a bit overwhelming," Murray said. "It will take a few days to sink in."

The 25-year-old Murray beat Novak Djokovic in five sets to win the U.S. Open on Monday and end his agonizing wait for a major title, five weeks after he routed Roger Federer in the final of the Olympic tournament.

Murray missed Friday's official victory parade for Scotland's Olympians and Paralympians in Glasgow, advised to take a couple of days of complete rest at home after playing continuously for four months.

But he patiently spent hours with his fans two days later, hitting some balls with youngsters at the local tennis club and stopping at a golden Olympic mailbox that was dedicated to Murray after his win at the London Games.

An estimated 15,000 fans turned up under overcast skies as the rain held off in the cathedral town in central Scotland.

"It's overwhelming and I've never had anything like that before," Murray said.

The parade went an hour over schedule because Murray decided against traveling on the bus with his family and friends.