Federer stuns Murray in straight sets to claim Australian Open

 ROGER Federer left Andy Murray rueful and reeling as he produced a performance of trademark brilliance to secure the Australian Open title in Melbourne.

TOO GOOD: Roger Federer shows sharp reflexes as he beats Andy Murray in the final of the Australian Open (Getty Images)

Federer notched up his 16th Grand Slam title - and his fourth win in Melbourne - with a 6-3, 6-4, 7-6 victory that was secured in two hours and 41 minutes.

Murray, who also lost in straight sets to Federer in the final of the 2008 US Open, was simply not allowed to stamp any degree of authority on the match.

Half a world away an expectant and hopeful nation woke early, believing they might finally see one of sport's longest running losing streaks consigned to history.

But Murray's hopes of becoming the first British player to win a Grand Slam in 74 years were undermined by both his own strangely passive performance and Federer's unrivaled brilliance.

If matches were decided by rueful shakes of the head and resigned shrugs of the shoulders, Murray would have been the straight sets winner.

But Federer is at his best when he makes tennis looks this easy and effortless and, in this sort of mood, he is virtually unbeatable.

And a tearful Murray later admitted he had been outclassed by the world number one.

“He was just a lot better than me tonight,” he said.

“I’d like to congratulate Roger, his achievements in tennis are incredible and to keep coming back year after year and winning like he does, it's amazing.

“I got great support back here and back home in the last couple of weeks and I’m just sorry that I couldn’t do it for you."

Fighting back the tears, he joked about Federer’s water works after his defeat to Rafael Nadal in last year’s final.

“I can cry like Roger, it’s just a shame I can’t play like him,” he added.

Meanwhile, Federer paid tribute to the beaten finalist, insisting his time would soon come.

“Andy has had an incredible fortnight and is far too good a player not to win a Grand Slam,” he said.

“I think I’ve played some of my best tennis ever in the last two weeks. This tournament gets the best out of me.”