Australian Open final 2016: Andy Murray apologises to his team after Novak Djokovic loss

Apologies: Andy Murray admitted he has had a tough few weeks off the court
Cameron Spencer/Getty Images
Vaishali Bhardwaj31 January 2016

Andy Murray apologised to his team after he failed to take the Australian Open title from Novak Djokovic on Sunday, but thanked his colleagues for helping him reach the final after a "tough" few weeks for the British star away from the court.

Murray lost his his fifth Australian Open final when Djokovic secured a 6-1 7-5 7-6 (7/3) victory over the world No.2 in Melbourne, which comes with the Scot expecting his first child with wife Kim in the coming month and after his father-in-law Nigel Sears collapsed during Ana Ivanovic's match with Madison Keys a week ago.

The 28-year-old admitted in his runner-up speech he was thankful to his team for having kept him focused despite events in his personal life and said Djokovic deserved to win the Australian Open because of his "incredible" consistency over the past year.

"I feel like I've been here before," Murray said on Sunday. "Firstly, I'd like to congratulate Novak - six Australian Opens is an incredible feat and also for what he's done in the last year or so; it's incredible consistency. Well done to him and all of his team, good job.

"I'd also like to thank my team for getting me to this position and helping me prepare for this. Sorry I couldn't get it done tonight but I appreciate all of your support. It's been a tough few weeks for me away from the court and I thank all of you for your support."

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Meanwhile, Djokovic was delighted to have won his sixth Australian Open title - which ensures the Serb draws level with Bjorn Borg and Rod Laver with 11 Grand Slam titles.

"I'm extremely honoured to be mentioned alongside legends of our sport like Rod Laver," the world No.1 said.

"Mr Roy Emerson, it's a great privilege to match the record of six Australian Opens. He's one of the greatest players to ever play this game.

"I need to pay respect to Andy and his team for having another great tournament.

"Tough luck, Andy, you're a great champion and a great person who is very professional and committed to the sport. I'm sure in the future you're going to have more opportunities to fight for this trophy.

"I would like to wish you and Kim a very happy and healthy delivery of your baby. I hope you will experience a feeling like never before because that's what happened to me."

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