So after an epic match and a typically heroic display, that's it from our live coverage today.
Thanks for reading and see you tomorrow for coverage of the best matches from day two, when Johanna Konta, Novak Djokovic, Serena Williams and Simona Halep will all be in action.
In Murray’s 15 years as a professional, he has written
some improbable scripts - and tonight, in front of a delirious crowd and with a
chronic hip condition, he nearly overturned a two set deficit.
It was a microcosm of his career. He screamed in
celebration, and in frustration. He covered acres of ground with some sparkling
defence. And he remonstrated with his nearest and dearest when the opportunity
arose.
The 31-year-old ran out of steam in the decider, but left the court with
a hint that there may yet be an encore.
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#bbctennis
R: I cannot begin to explain how that felt.
Though my eyes are sore from crying, I have a full heart and reignited hope.
@andy_murray inspires in all that he does, both on and off the court - and today's come-back was no exception.
Proud.
Thankful.
In awe.
Post update
What an ending.
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#bbctennis
Rachel Gilbey: Had tears in my eyes watching the tribute video at the end of the Murray match. If that is his last match then what a way to go out. Fabulous effort today and still glimpses of his tennis genius.
In other news, some fella called Federer has reached the second round in Melbourne.
He beat Denis Istomin 6-3 6-4 6-4.
And in the women's draw, Petra Kvitova blasted past Magdalena Rybarikova 6-3 6-2.
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Tim Bradbury: The year is 2020, Murray has undergone a successful hip resurfacing operation, returns to full function and is pain free. Subsequently wins Wimbledon without dropping a set, you heard it here first...
Rhys Hopkins: And if that massive ovation in Melbourne was tremendous, imagine the incredible roar Andy Murray would get if he plays on the Wimbledon grass one more time in July. I truly hope he manages to get there just for that.
Post update
From this...
... to this.
ReutersCopyright: Reuters
Post update
Some stats for you...
Andy Murray hit 19 aces and 50 winners during that four hour epic, with 51 unforced errors.
He won 80% of first serve points and created five break points - although he converted just one.
A bit more match practice, and who knows...?
Post update
Well. That was all far more emotional than I was expecting for a Monday morning...
And, for maybe the last time, Andy Murray leaves the court.
He's swamped by children asking for autographs before he walks off.
If that was it - and Murray himself said if - then what a match to go out on. But it would be so, so good to see him at Wimbledon.
Post update
Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images
More from Andy Murray: "I've been very fortunate and unlucky, I guess, to compete in an era with some of the guys that have been around. Roger, Rafa, Novak have been difficult opponents but I have a lot of respect for them.
"We've had great battles which I think tennis fans around the world will remember when we all finish. To have the respect of our peers is a very important thing."
Live Reporting
Amy Lofthouse
All times stated are UK
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View more on twitterView more on twitter ReutersCopyright: Reuters View more on twitterView more on twitter View more on twitterView more on twitter View more on twitterView more on twitter View more on twitterView more on twitter ReutersCopyright: Reuters View more on twitterView more on twitter Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images
Latest PostPost update
So after an epic match and a typically heroic display, that's it from our live coverage today.
Thanks for reading and see you tomorrow for coverage of the best matches from day two, when Johanna Konta, Novak Djokovic, Serena Williams and Simona Halep will all be in action.
In the meantime, click here for our Andy Murray report
And here you can watch the best of the closing stages of the match (UK only).
And here's the reaction on social media to the confusing on-court interview - did the Australian Open retire Andy Murray too soon?
And don't forget to check out the tennis index later for further reaction and analysis from day one in Melbourne.
Post update
Post update
Hands up if you deserve an ice bath...
Post update
One proud mum.
Post update
'There may yet be an encore'
Russell Fuller
BBC tennis correspondent at Melbourne Park
In Murray’s 15 years as a professional, he has written some improbable scripts - and tonight, in front of a delirious crowd and with a chronic hip condition, he nearly overturned a two set deficit.
It was a microcosm of his career. He screamed in celebration, and in frustration. He covered acres of ground with some sparkling defence. And he remonstrated with his nearest and dearest when the opportunity arose.
The 31-year-old ran out of steam in the decider, but left the court with a hint that there may yet be an encore.
Get Involved
#bbctennis
R: I cannot begin to explain how that felt. Though my eyes are sore from crying, I have a full heart and reignited hope. @andy_murray inspires in all that he does, both on and off the court - and today's come-back was no exception. Proud. Thankful. In awe.
Post update
What an ending.
Get Involved
#bbctennis
Rachel Gilbey: Had tears in my eyes watching the tribute video at the end of the Murray match. If that is his last match then what a way to go out. Fabulous effort today and still glimpses of his tennis genius.
Post update
Post update
In other news, some fella called Federer has reached the second round in Melbourne.
He beat Denis Istomin 6-3 6-4 6-4.
And in the women's draw, Petra Kvitova blasted past Magdalena Rybarikova 6-3 6-2.
Get Involved
#bbctennis
Tim Bradbury: The year is 2020, Murray has undergone a successful hip resurfacing operation, returns to full function and is pain free. Subsequently wins Wimbledon without dropping a set, you heard it here first...
Post update
Get Involved
#bbctennis
Rhys Hopkins: And if that massive ovation in Melbourne was tremendous, imagine the incredible roar Andy Murray would get if he plays on the Wimbledon grass one more time in July. I truly hope he manages to get there just for that.
Post update
From this...
... to this.
Post update
Some stats for you...
Andy Murray hit 19 aces and 50 winners during that four hour epic, with 51 unforced errors.
He won 80% of first serve points and created five break points - although he converted just one.
A bit more match practice, and who knows...?
Post update
Well. That was all far more emotional than I was expecting for a Monday morning...
Post update
Post update
And, for maybe the last time, Andy Murray leaves the court.
He's swamped by children asking for autographs before he walks off.
If that was it - and Murray himself said if - then what a match to go out on. But it would be so, so good to see him at Wimbledon.
Post update
More from Andy Murray: "I've been very fortunate and unlucky, I guess, to compete in an era with some of the guys that have been around. Roger, Rafa, Novak have been difficult opponents but I have a lot of respect for them.
"We've had great battles which I think tennis fans around the world will remember when we all finish. To have the respect of our peers is a very important thing."