Tim Henman brought a fitting end to his competitive career at the All England Club by steering Great Britain back into the Davis Cup World Group for the first time in four years.
Henman teamed up with Jamie Murray in the doubles rubber to win 4-6 6-4 7-6 (7-3) 7-5 over Croatia's Marin Cilic and Lovro Zovko and secure an unassailable 3-0 lead with two rubbers remaining.
The capacity Court One crowd rose to acclaim Henman after he converted Great Britain's first match point and sealed a thoroughly convincing two-day victory.
Henman admitted he could not have scripted his farewell any better: "I've had a few good scripts over the past few years but it's just fantastic.
"For me to finish with Britain back in the World Group is perfect."
Henman hailed the raucous Court One crowd, saying: "They've been phenomenal. Today was incredible.
"It's this type of occasion I'm going to miss in the future and I'm going to miss each and every one of you that supported me throughout my career.
"It's been an unbelievable journey for me. I've fulfilled so many of my dreams."
Murray hailed Henman as an "inspiration", saying: "It was an absolute honour to be on the court with him."
Coach John Lloyd said: "He's been the best British player since Fred Perry. He hasn't been given the credit he actually deserves."
Henman showed the composure he has sustained through the best part of 13 Wimbledon summers, celebrating with fistpumps to the sky as the fans chanted his name.
He brought his singles career to a close with a straight-sets win over Roko Karanusic on Friday.
Yesterday, playing for the first time competitively with the elder Murray, it was his last act as a professional tennis player.
He signed off with a winning cross-court forehand to send Great Britain back into the World Group.
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JONATHAN PEARCE
ALEC STEWART
THE MOLE