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Murray wiser after painful Melbourne defeat

Andy Murray will be seeded fifth in Melbourne © Getty Images

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Andy Murray believes the disappointment of losing last year's Australian Open final has made him more focused on ending his quest for his maiden grand slam title.

The British No. 1 sailed through the opening rounds, dispatching an injured Nadal before showing real guts to beat Marin Cilic to reach his second major final. But once again, Murray was denied by an inspired Roger Federer, who clinched his 16th grand slam title with a 6-3 6-4 7-6(11) victory.

"After the final I was incredibly disappointed because I had put so much effort in getting ready for it," Murray told the Daily Mail. "The way the third set went made it a very difficult way to finish because when I was back in the locker room I still should have been out on the court.

"Looking back there are a few things I would have done differently, especially from the beginning of the match and I will learn from that next time."

Murray will be seeded fifth for the first grand slam of the year, meaning he could once again have to find a way past both world No. 1 Nadal and defending champion Federer. But despite their superior ranking, bulging trophy cabinets and vast experience, Murray is determined to end Britain's 75-year wait for a men's grand slam champion.

"When you've won nine or 16 slams like Rafa and Roger then everything is going to be easier," he said. "But I still think they have doubts like everyone else, they still get nervous, they worry just like everyone else but because of the experience of being in the situation they know how to deal with it.

"It's hard going on the court against them in a slam because you know they've been there so many times that they are going to play great tennis, and that makes it difficult for you mentally. They definitely raise their game, which everyone tries to do.

"Sometimes I think I've done it, sometimes I haven't. Roger has been in the semis of slams 30 times so he is going to deal with it better than someone who has been there four or five times. Physically over five sets you can take something out of players, even guys like Roger and Rafa who are incredibly fit. So there are things next time I will do better."

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