Murray rises to third in ATP Tour rankings

ANDY Murray is enjoying a silver lining following his Australian Open defeat after moving up to third in the ATP world rankings released today.

ON THE RISE: Andy Murray will move up to number three in the world rankings, following his run to the final in Melbourne (Getty Images)

The Scot has moved above Rafael Nadal, who has slipped to fourth - the first time the Spaniard has dropped out of the top three since June 2005.

After claiming the 16th Grand Slam title of his career, Roger Federer retains his number one spot for the 268th non-consecutive week, while Novak Djokovic moves up to number two.

Murray also edges above Argentina's Juan Martin Del Potro, who has fallen to fifth after failing to get past the fourth round in Melbourne.

"Obviously I need to improve and try and make my game better for these situations," said Murray, who was also beaten by Federer in his only previous major final appearance, at the 2008 US Open.

"When a Grand Slam title comes, maybe because of the two losses, it will be even better.

"I would have liked to have done it for everyone back home. But I'm getting closer and my results in the Grand Slams would show that. I've just got to keep working hard."

Murray will take heart from his improved performance in the third set where he had five set points to take the match into a fourth.

And the Scot is even confident 2010 will see success on clay - with the French Open at Roland Garros the next Slam in just over four months.

"Last year I played a lot better on clay but I need to get or make sure my preparation's right for the French Open to give myself a chance and make sure I have enough training weeks," added Murray.

"Because there's still a lot of things I need to learn to play my best on clay.

"But you never know, Roger Soderling made the final last year and no one was really expecting that."

Serena Williams - who defended her Australian Open title on Saturday - remains streets ahead of nearest rival, Russia's Dinara Safina, in the WTA Tour rankings.

Great Britain's Elena Baltacha - who reached the third round in Melbourne - is ranked 83rd, one place ahead of Fed Cup team-mate Katie O'Brien.