In contrast, Murray became the first man since local John Bromwich in the 1930s and 1940s to lose four or more Australian Open deciders, having also come up just short in 2010, 2011 and 2013.
Maybe Murray can take some consolation from the fact that Bromwich also went on to win the title twice.
Once again the Scot shared the spotlight with his high-profile entourage.
Much has been made of the fact that the two-time major winner is being coached by a woman, former Open champion Amelie Mauresmo.
But it was his girlfriend Sears who was the centre of attention before the match began.
She had gone viral on social media after launching an expletive-laden tirade at Murray's semi-final opponent Tomas Berdych on Thursday.
Late last year, the Czech had poached Murray's former coach and hitting partner Dani Vallverdu.
Sears' witty response on Sunday was to don a T-shirt for the final emblazoned with the slogan "Parental Advisory. Explicit Content", one which is usually seen on CD or album covers.
The other big talking point from the final was a court invasion by pro-immigration protesters midway through the second set.
Two of them jumped onto the court and were arrested, causing a break in play.
For a while it seemed as if the unusual interlude would favour Murray, who regrouped the fastest to take the second set.
But the Serbian ironman was not to be denied, claiming an eighth major.
- AAP
