Andy Murray tearfully told his pregnant wife Kim he would be on "the next flight home" after being outclassed by Novak Djokovic in the Australian Open final.

The Briton admitted he'd had a tough couple of weeks off the court after losing in straight sets to the ruthlessly efficient Serb, who picked up his record-equalling sixth title at the Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne.

Murray's father-in-law Nigel Sears was rushed to hospital after collapsing at the arena last weekend while he watched Ana Ivanovic, whom he coaches.

The 58-year-old was later cleared to fly back to the UK and Murray said previously he would have pulled out of the tournament if there had been any doubts about his father-in-law's health.

Choking over his words as he spoke to the crowd after the defeat, Murray said he had a message for Kim, who "is going to be watching back home just now".

He said: "You have been a legend the last two weeks, thank you so much for all of your support. I'll be on the next flight home."

Murray was pummelled in a disastrous opening set by Djokovic, who weathered a fightback from the Scot to win 6-1 7-5 7-6 (7/3).

Kim is reportedly due to give birth to the couple's first child within the next couple of weeks.

Djokovic hailed Murray for having "another great tournament", adding: "I'd like to wish you and Kim a very happy and healthy delivery of your baby.

"I hope you will experience a feeling like no other because that's what happened to me."

Murray's performance saw him commit 65 unforced errors to Djokovic's 41.

Victory Down Under at the fifth attempt would have seen the British number one achieve a special family double.

His brother Jamie yesterday became the first Briton to win the Australian Open men's doubles title in more than 80 years.

Jamie secured his first doubles grand slam trophy when he and partner Bruno Soares came from behind to beat Canada's Daniel Nestor and Czech Radek Stepanek in the final.