Andy Murray tearfully told his pregnant wife Kim he would be on "the next flight home" after being outclassed by Novak Djokovic in the Australian Open final.
The Briton admitted he'd had a tough couple of weeks off the court after losing in straight sets to the ruthlessly efficient Serb, who picked up his record-equalling sixth title at the Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne.
Murray's father-in-law Nigel Sears was rushed to hospital after collapsing at the arena last weekend while he watched Ana Ivanovic, whom he coaches.
The 58-year-old was later cleared to fly back to the UK and Murray said previously he would have pulled out of the tournament if there had been any doubts about his father-in-law's health.
Choking over his words as he spoke to the crowd after the defeat, Murray said he had a message for Kim, who "is going to be watching back home just now".
He said: "You have been a legend the last two weeks, thank you so much for all of your support. I'll be on the next flight home."
Murray was pummelled in a disastrous opening set by Djokovic, who weathered a fightback from the Scot to win 6-1 7-5 7-6 (7/3).