Andy Murray fans glued to Australian Open final

Fans had hoped to see Murray secure a first Grand Slam men's final win

Fans across the country have been watching Andy Murray's appearance in the final of the Australian Open.

The match had been the centre of huge anticipation in his home town of Dunblane in Perthshire.

Despite his defeat at the hands of world number one Roger Federer, Murray's fans said their belief in the 22-year-old was unwavering.

Federer beat Murray by three sets, denying the Scot his first Grand Slam title.

Had he won in Melbourne, Murray would have been the first Briton for 74 years and the first Scot to win a Grand Slam tennis title.

More than 60 locals packed into the Dunblane Centre to watch Murray in the Australian Open.

Among those cheering Murray on was 40-year-old Susi Shanks.

The people here are sure it is just a matter of time before he is a Grand Slam champion Susi Shanks Murray fan Murray misses out on Grand Slam Federer ends Murray's dream Murray v Federer photos

She said: "The atmosphere was absolutely brilliant. People were so hopeful that he could win.

"He had quite a few good chances and there were a few points when we thought he could do it but unfortunately not.

"The people here though are sure it is just a matter of time before he is a Grand Slam champion."

'Best player'

Local pubs and clubs in Dunblane held special screenings of the final.

Murray fan, 11-year-old James Fraser, said the town was 100% behind the Scot.

Six-year-old Kirsty and her mum Judy were cheering Andy on

Speaking ahead of the final, he said: "I've been watching at school in the classroom because we're all big fans of Andy. He's done Dunblane good and I'm proud of him.

"My mum likes him, my papa likes him, everybody in Dunblane likes him."

Scottish Secretary Jim Murphy said he was confident Murray would take a Grand Slam title in the future.

Paying tribute to the provisional world number three, Mr Murphy said: "We can all be proud of what Andy Murray has achieved in Melbourne.

"He put up a brave performance against arguably the best player ever to lift a racquet who is also playing at the very top of his game.

"His fighting spirit throughout has been both exceptional and inspirational."

Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond had admitted that he would be "on the edge of his seat" watching the final.

However, following Murray's defeat, Mr Salmond said the Scot had put in a "gritty and determined performance".

"He was typically gracious in defeat. Andy has done the country proud and his time will come," he said.

The match marks the second time Murray has been beaten by Roger Federer in a Grand Slam final.

He was defeated in straight sets by the 28-year-old Swiss at the US Open in 2008.

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