Top level: Roger Federer takes his 16th Grand Slam title Pic: © Reuters/David Gray
Andy Murray’s hopes of a first Slam title were ended by Roger Federer in Melbourne as the Swiss superstar produced a sterling performance to win 6-3 6-4 7-6 (13-11). An emotional Murray was in tears after the match and apologised to his fans but said he hoped to return to Australia and win in the future.
“I can cry like Roger, it's just a shame I can’t play like him,” he admitted.
Murray gave his all in the match, which lasted two hours and forty minutes, but could not match his opponent, who kept the pressure on throughout. Federer was simply unplayable at times and came through a difficult third set to continue his incredible Grand Slam record.
Federer had never lost from being two sets up in 115 Grand Slam matches and though Murray was a break up in the third, the champion showed his all-round game was better than the Scot’s. He said afterwards that, despite Murray falling short for the second time in a major final, the British number one was too good a player not to win a Slam title.
Murray was playing well in the first set and showed no sign of nerves in the early stages, winning his share of points but lacking the aggression of his opponent. Federer got an early break to go 2-0 in front but was immediately pegged back when Murray produced a magnificent backhand to set up two beak points. A clinical forehand from Murray took the game and he then held serve to make it 2-2.
Murray looked to be gaining the upper hand and had three break points in game five but Federer dug in and saw off the challenge with a strong service game.
The Scot’s first serve was at the same level and Federer pounced on every error, making life tough for Murray and ensuring he had to work hard to hold. Federer got his chance and took it with a cracking forehand to make it 5-3 and served out to take the set.
Murray was broken to love at the beginning of the second as Federer hit top form. Struggling to hold serve and unable to make inroads on his opponent, even luck seemed to be against the British number one when Federer won a point after hitting the net cord in game four. Murray saved four break points and showed plenty resistance but Federer’s immaculate service game saw him race to a two set lead.
It was all or nothing in the third set for Murray but although he went a break up he could not capitalise. Federer broke back to set up an epic tie break. Murray had set point four times but couldn’t see it through and Federer had championship point twice but was held at bay. A final thumping forehand saw Murray stretching and when his return hit the net it gave Federer the tie-break 13-11, a straight sets win and a fourth Australian Open title.
