The Serbian tennis ace has thus become the first man in the Open era to win six Australian Open titles, and equalled Roy Emerson’s record of six Australian Open trophies. Sears was temporarily hospitalized and eventually returned to Great Britain, while Murray advanced to his fifth Australian Open final, where he lost to Novak Djokovic Sunday. Not only has the Dunblane native been anxiously awaiting news from his wife Kim, who is expecting the couple’s first child in February, but he also had the worry of his father-in-law, Nigel Sears, collapsing courtside in the first week of the tournament. After being pushed to five sets by Gilles Simon in the fourth round, Djokovic ramped up his level in the second week, ending Federer’s run with a stunning attack in the opening two sets.
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“It’s been a tough few weeks for me away from the court”, Murray said in his post-match speech, before turning his attention to his wife.
Murray has transformed the fortunes of British tennis all by himself but he made unwanted history following his latest reverse to Djokovic, becoming only the second player to lose a grand slam final at the same major five times.
“Most of the matches we played in slams I think have been competitive”.
He looked half asleep as he lost the first set 6-1 before perking up in the final two.
“A lot’s been going on”, Murray said.
Murray contributed to his downfall, a double-fault handed his first service game to his opponent, but the depth and accuracy of Djokovic’s groundstrokes had him chasing shadows. Murray’s forehand has never been in the same class as Djokovic, Nadal and Federer, and it fell well short when it mattered most. But I’m proud of the way I fought and managed to get myself back into the match and create chances for myself.
In the end, the only consolation after Andy Murray’s seventh defeat in a Grand Slam final was that it could have been worse.
Murray was inexplicably broken from 40-0 up in the 11th game – three unforced errors costly – and Djokovic unconvincingly closed out the set.
The respect between them was more evident at the presentation than on the court. Fans were quick to point out Murray should have hit the sack earlier.
When Djokovic led 4-1 it was all over bar the shouting and the Serb cruised home 7-3.
The 28-year-old world number one is now dominating the men’s game like Roger Federer did a decade ago, but he is keen to ensure that he stays ahead of a ferocious chasing pack that includes the vanquished Murray.
Djokovic had to fend off a break point in the opening game but from there he took complete control of proceedings. Murray netted a backhand after not electing to challenge Djokovic’s serve – which replays showed was long.
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An emotional Murray fought back tears as he spoke to the crowd after the loss.
