Karatsev outclasses Murray - relive the action

Murray hasn't got long before his next match as he will play 21st seed Nikoloz Basilashvili at the Australian Open, which starts next week.

Murray beat the Georgian in the Sydney Tennis Classic and they will do battle again in Melbourne on Tuesday.

Murray thanks the crowd for an "amazing atmosphere" before adding "unfortunately, the result didn't go my way but I'll keep trying my best to come back and have more nights like this".

He finishes by saying: "Thank you and maybe see you next year."

Alex: Delighted to see Murray play so well in Sydney this week. He’s back - doesn’t get enough credit for this comeback post horrific injury. Can’t wait for the Australian Open.

Tennis is awesome: Bittersweet but what a match Aslan Karatsev. Congrats on the first title of the year

Murray adds: "I'd like to thank my team for all of their help this week. First time back in the finals for three years, it's been a long road to get back here but I couldn't have done it without your help so thank you. I'd also like to thank my family back home, I don't know if you were watching but I miss you all."

Murray's voice begins to crack when he mentions his family and the crowd respond with a huge cheer.

Andy Murray is first to speak as he collects his runners-up trophy.

Murray says: "Firstly, I'd like to congratulate Aslan, fantastic week. I know he also arrived late in Australia as he was recovering from Covid-19 so even more impressive to come back straight away and play at that level. Good job and all the best for the Aussie Open."

That seemed to be just one match too far for Murray. He showed glimpses of his battling qualities but was dominated by Karatsev, who looks like he could have a massive chance at the Australian Open. You wouldn't want to bet against him in this kind of form.

That's it. Karatsev takes his third match point to round off a powerful performance and beat Andy Murray 6-3 6-3.

Karatsev double faults on the first of two match points and Murray produces a backhand winner to take the game to deuce.

Murray takes the first point but, after a 19-shot rally, Karatsev levels with an inside out forehand across court.

Murray takes the game and makes sure Karatsev has to serve out for the title.

Murray serving to stay in the match.

You have to give it to Karatsev. He's been so consistent in the match and, after getting through that last service game when he saved five break points, he wins this one to love after getting in a few more first serves.

Murray loses the first point after a sliced crosscourt backhand from Karatsev before moving 30-15 up. Murray gives a wry smile as it goes to 30-30 but the Scot wins the game when a backhand return from the Russian goes wide.

Massive pressure on Murray to hold.

Sarah Quinlan: Much as I really want Murray to win, Karatsev hasn't put a foot wrong - masterclass performance

Karatsev holds and shows his nerve. He saved five break points in a game lasting almost 13 minutes to go 4-1 up.

Murray has a look at a second serve for his fifth break point but fails to win the rally as he sends a forehand down the line just wide. Back to deuce.

Murray puts a backhand wide as he fails to take a fourth break point. This game has been going on for about 10 minutes.