Andy Murray calls Kim Sears a 'legend' and thanks pregnant wife for support after Australian Open final defeat

Murray fought back tears after his loss to Novak Djokovic and promised to be on the first flight home to attend the birth of their first child

(Getty Images)

Andy Murray paid tribute to his pregnant wife Kim Sears by describing her as “a legend” following his Australian Open defeat to Novak Djokovic, and fought back the tears as he promised to catch the next flight back to Great Britain to be by her side.

Murray was caught sleeping in the opening set as Djokovic surged into a lead he would not relinquish, and Murray admitted afterwards that he had “been here before” after suffering a fourth defeat at the hands of Djokovic in the final Down Under, with Murray’s other loss coming against Roger Federer in2010.

For once, Murray was not cheered on by his wife in the stands, with Sears remaining in Britain ahead of the imminent arrival of the couple’s first child, due at the start of February.

Murray was quick to pay tribute to Djokovic afterwards, but he also took a moment to mention his wife in an outpouring of emotion as the 28-year-old began to well up.

“To my wife Kim who is going to be watching back home,” said Murray. “You've been a legend for all your support. I'll be on the next flight home.”

He added: “I feel like I've been here before. Firstly I'd like to congratulate Novak, six Australian Opens is an incredible feat. I'd like to say well done to him and his team, a great job.

“I'd also like to thank my team, sorry I couldn't get it done. It's been a tough few weeks off the court. I'd also like to thank the fans. It's obviously a difficult time right now but you've been great and thank you for coming.”

Andy Murray stands next to Novak Djokovic after the Australian Open final (Getty Images)

Djokovic also acknowledged Sears’ absence and passed his best on to both Murray and his wife in a heart-warming post-match ceremony.

“First of all, I need to pay respect to Andy and his team for having another great tournament,” Djokovic said. “Tough match, tough luck. You're a great man Andy, a great person and you'll have more opportunities in the future to fight for this trophy. I would also like to wish you and Kim a very happy and healthy delivery of your baby and I hope you experience an experience like no other because that's what happened to me. All the best.”