Andy Murray determined to stay positive despite loss

DESPITE losing to Novak Djokovic in the Australian Open final, Andy Murray said he was continuing to improve as a player.

DESPITE losing to Novak Djokovic in the Australian Open final, Andy Murray said he was continuing to improve as a player.

Although he had failed to become the first male player in 57 years to follow up his maiden Grand Slam victory (in the US Open) by winning the next major tournament, the Scot said he determined to take the positives from his third defeat in four years in the final at Melbourne Park.

"I know no one's ever won a Slam immediately after winning their first one. It's not the easiest thing to do and I got extremely close," the 25-year-old said.

"I have to try and look at the positives of the last few months and I think I'm going in the right direction."

Murray was clearly hampered by a blistered foot and tight hamstring against Djokovic, but said he wasn't looking for excuses.

"There are certain things that hurt when you run or hit the ball, especially blisters, but it's not something that stops you from playing or stops you from running for balls," he insisted.

"Ninety per cent of the players on the tour will have played this tournament with some sort of blister or problem.

"It had no bearing at all on the result."