Andy Murray holds back the tears after defeat in his first ATP event final since 2019

The three-time Grand Slam champion was emotional after reaching his first Tour-level final since declaring three years ago that his career was close to its end

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Andy Murray practices ahead of Australian Open

Andy Murray struggled to fight back the tears as he allowed himself to feel the emotion of reaching the final of an ATP Tour competition for the first time in three years.

At the beginning of 2019 at the Australian Open, the Scot had admitted that relentless injuries and his inability to return to the top of his game as a result most likely meant that his career was coming to its end.

But after more surgery and plenty of disappointments in the meantime, there was a flicker of hope as the former Wimbledon champion finished the 2021 season strongly.

His fans were delighted when he picked up where he left off this week by going all the way in the Sydney Tennis Classic – his first Tour final since the 2019 European Open.

Murray could not take home the trophy in the end, losing 6-3, 6-3 to top seed Aslan Karatsev in the title-decider on Saturday.

But the tears he shed after the match were of pride and gratitude as he spoke on the court to congratulate his opponent and thank his family and friends for their support.

“I’d like to congratulate Aslan on a fantastic week,” he said.

“I know he also arrived here late in Australia and is recovering from Covid so it’s all the more impressive to come back and play at that level. All the best for the Australian Open.

“Thank you to my team for all their help this year. It’s my first time back in the finals for three years and it’s been a long road to get back here and I couldn’t have done it without your help.

“I’d like to thank my family, I don’t know if you’re all watching but I miss you all.”

After pausing following a crack in his voice as emotions got the better of him, the Scot added: “I’d like to say thank you to everyone who put this event on. It’s my first time here in Sydney, it’s not an easy time to run events but you did a fantastic event and I really enjoyed it.

“Finally, to all of you who came out to support tonight. What an amazing atmosphere to play in, it’s so good.

“I have really missed playing in front of these sorts of crowds in these sorts of matches.

“Unfortunately the result didn’t go my way tonight but I’ll do my best to come back.”