Tennis: Inconsistent Murray rues what could have been

For three hours and 11 minutes of pulsating tennis, Murray battled against the world No 1, who declared afterwards it had needed one of the best performances of his life to triumph 7-6 (7/5) 3-6 7-6 (8/6).

This was the 23-year-old at his very finest, attacking Nadal with invention and courage, making the Spaniard at times look distinctly second best.

But, just when Murray had his opponent rocking at the start of the third set, he let him off the hook, and that was the one slight criticism that could be levelled at the Scot.

Afterwards Murray was composed, knowing he had let a chance slip away but knowing also that he had set a standard he must try to maintain in 2011.

The world No 5 – he will jump a place today – has been consistently inconsistent this year, with his performances at London's O2 Arena this week another example.

He was brilliant against Robin Soderling in his first match, the opposite in a thrashing by Roger Federer, before recovering to beat David Ferrer easily.

Murray said of Saturday's display: "That's what you have to expect of yourself. You don't go into matches like that expecting anything less.

"I was obviously very disappointed with the way I played against Roger. This match is how I want to play all the time. I want to try and build on that for next year.

"It was a great match to finish the year. But I need to improve because I'm competing with the two best players of all time. So, if I want to win these events and grand slams, I need to get better."

Murray's exit allowed Nadal to go on and meet Federer in yesterday's final, but it was the former world No 1 who came out on top, defeating the Spaniard 6-3 3-6 6-1 to equal Ivan Lendl and Pete Sampras' record haul of five Barclays ATP World Tour Finals.

Federer was the better player throughout but Nadal, who was looking to add the one major title that has so far eluded him to his year's collection of three grand slams, put up a brave fight despite not being at his best physically.

Federer, who takes home a cheque for just over 1million and 1,500 ranking points, said: "It's been a wonderful atmosphere once again.

"Rafa's had an amazing year, one any player dreams of."