Andy Murray has said that he is optimistic about the coming season following his courageous Australian Open semi-final defeat to Novak Djokovic.

The Scot took the world number one to five-sets in Melbourne and has taken the positives from the loss.

"It was a long, long match. One of the longest I have ever played on the tour and probably one of the highest standards as well," said the 24-year-old.

"I feel way, way better coming away from the Australian Open this year than I did last year and much, much more positive about my game and the future.

"I'm really looking forward to the rest of the year now."

Murray, currently fourth in the world, has now reached the last four, or beyond, in five successive Grand Slam tournaments.