IT was an epic battle but in the end it was not to be for Andy Murray as the Scot lost to Novak Djokovic in the final of the Australian Open at the Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne.

From early on Sunday morning, millions had tuned in to watch the match live as Murray sought to claim his first Grand Slam victory since winning Wimbledon in 2013.

Murray's fiancee Kim Sears showed her sense of humour when she turned up wearing a black "Parental Advisory: Explicit Content" T-shirt.

Ms Sears made headlines last week after being caught on camera apparently mouthing the words: "F*****g have that, you Czech flash f***" towards Murray's semi-final opponent Tomas Berdych.

The eye-catching slogan proved a huge hit with fans who took to social media in their droves to praise Ms Sears for "owning" her expletive-studded faux pas.

But not everyone was quite as enamoured with her husband-to-be turning the airwaves blue as he castigated himself with a volley of sweary shouts throughout the match.

BBC commentators felt obliged to apologise following one particularly fiery outburst. "Sorry we don't have control over that microphone," was their hurried interjection.

Serbia's Djokovic, pursuing a record fifth Australian Open title, took the opening set 7-6.

Murray came out fighting and it was Djokovic who found himself on the back foot as the Scot proved his mettle to win the second set 7-6.

There was drama when play was disrupted during the second set by campaigners protesting against the Manus Island immigration detention facility. Members of the group jumped onto the court, unfurling a banner which read: "Australia open for refugees".

The match was delayed for several minutes as security escorted those responsible from the venue accompanied by loud boos from spectators.

In the third set, things began to unravel for Murray and his frustrations got the better of him.

At one stage, Murray was heard to shout: "That's so unhelpful" as Ms Sears could be seen rolling her eyes in the nearby stands.

Djokovic won the third set 6-3 and afterwards things went from bad to worse for Murray as he struggled to refocus, looking physically and mentally drained.

It came as no surprise that Djokovic went on to clinch the fourth set 6-0 and overall victory. As the world No.1 made his lap of honour, the pain of defeat was visible on Murray's face as he sat flint-eyed on the sidelines.

Speaking afterwards the 27-year-old tried to be cheerily philosophical as he vowed to return in 2016 and reverse his fortunes.

"I had amazing support here and it is probably my most consistent Grand Slam throughout my career but just haven't been able to win," said Murray.

"I'd like to thank my team up there - it has been a tough year. I'm closer than I was a few months ago and I'll keep working hard to get there.

"I'll try to come back next year and have a slightly different outcome in the final."

Djokovic, meanwhile, had some words of consolation for his rival.

"Tough luck tonight," he said. "You are a great competitor, you fight a lot. I wish you all the best for the rest of the season.

"I want to congratulate you and Kim on your engagement and wish you a wonderful wedding and many kids."