The King still reigns

It was a hard match and one which Andy Murray had plenty of chances to fulfil his dreams but the British number one, despite a spirited performance, was unable to dent the defences of the world number one, Roger Federer.

For Murray the message was loud and clear, namely a trip back to the drawing board. He had a great run but still fell short of what was required to overcome the player who, even at 28 years of age, is still the best player in the world.

Murray, playing his second grand slam final against the Swiss master, produced a much better performance to the one he displayed at the US Open final 18 months ago.

A tight first set was followed by a one sided one for Federer, and ended with a dramatic third in what was a fitting tie-break for a major final.

Federer showed remarkable consistency as he held off Murray throughout the two-hours and 41-minutes of play to score a straight sets 6-3 6-4 7-6(13-11) victory on his third match point.

The first set saw both players approaching the match apprehensively and while they exchange breaks early on with Murray then failing to convert three break opportunities to go ahead 3-2, Federer settled the better of the two to edge ahead in the eighth game and serve out for 6-3.

Having gained the psychological advantage, Federer adopted a patient but effective game, continuing to apply pressure throughout forcing Murray to take stock of his serve. The Swiss broke him to love for 2-1 and then again held two more break points in the fifth game and four more in the seventh as Murray struggled to find some serving form to build his game.

With first serves at a premium, and unable to apply any sort of pressure on Federer, Murray saw the match slip towards the top seed when he claimed it 6-4 on his serve.

The third set provided the full auditorium with the most excitement as Murray suddenly rediscovered some form forcing Federer on the defensive but just failed to convert his first opportunity in seven service games when he lost a long exchange.

He made up for it four games later and this time he grabbed he converts on his second when he gets the better of Federer at the net.

The pendulum seemed to be swinging Murray's way but Federer was quick to seize his chance in the ninth game thereby preventing Murray from claiming the set and succeeded in holding the Scot off to force what proved a crucial tie-break.

There Murray again broke early but couldn't hold on to his advantage. Five set points eluded him and though he defended valiantly and was able to hold off two match points, he netted a forehand pass attempt to hand the match and title to the better and more solid player on the day.

"I'm over the moon winning this title again," Federer said. "I played some of the best tennis in my life again over the last two weeks and it's very special to win my first Grand Slam as a father."

He went on to praise Murray for putting up such a good fight. "Andy, you played an incredible tournament. You are too good a player not to win a Grand Slam, so don't worry about it."

While Federer was obviously delighted, Murray, in turn was extremely disappointed with himself believing he had let down his supporters.

"I had great support back home, I'm sorry I couldn't do it for you tonight," he said as his voice cracked with emotion while he choked back tears.

"I can cry like Roger, it's just a shame that I can't play like him," he went on to joke during the presentations.

Murray then added before apologising and handing the microphone to Federer, "He was a lot better than me tonight. But I've loved every minute of it and I hope to sometime come back and win."

For the record it is now 279 Grand Slam tournaments since Fred Perry beat the American Donald Budge in the 1936 US Open final, the last time a Briton has won a title at this level.

Federer in turn, has now won 16 Grand Slams in the span of 27 majors and has lost only six finals in that time becoming the fifth man in the history of these championships to win four Australian Open titles with the last man to do so being American Andre Agassi in 2003.