A frustrated Andy Murray blamed his lack of match practice following back surgery for his quarter-final defeat against Roger Federer at the Australian Open.
The Wimbledon champion had beaten Federer at Melbourne Park 12 months ago in the semi-finals but the Scot failed to repeat the feat at this year's tournament, despite saving two match points to force a fourth set.
After going under the knife four months ago and playing only two competitive matches before arriving in Melbourne, Murray came up short against a rejuvenated Federer.
The 32-year-old Swiss, who progresses to the the semi-finals in Australia for the 11th time in succession, has reinvigorated his net game under the oversight of new coach Stephan Edberg.
Federer now goes on to play world number one-ranked Spaniard Rafael Nadal in the semi-finals.
