Among active players, Andy Murray was aiming to win the 47th title of his career, a tally only bettered by Roger Federer (103), Rafael Nadal (89) and Novak Djokovic (86).
Andy Murray's bid for a first title since October ended in a straight-set defeat by Russian top seed Aslan Karatsev in the Sydney Classic final.
The British man, who had hip surgery nine months ago, lost 6-3 to the world number 20.
Murray was broken in the opening game and struggled on first serve in the set as Karatsev dominated.
The single break in the second set was enough for Karatsev to beat Murray.
Five break opportunities were created by Murray in the fifth game of the second set, but Karatsev saved them all and regained his rhythm to close in on the title.
Karatsev was left to serve out for victory, but Murray saved two championship points before the Russian won the title.
The world number 135 will reflect positively on the week as a whole, even though Murray will be sad at the defeat.
Before the final against Karatsev, the three-time Grand Slam champion moved well around the court and his serving was strong.
The Australian Open starts on Monday and the Scottish player will be there.
The opening Grand Slam of the season will be played on Tuesday, with fifth seed Murray playing Georgian 21st seed Nikoloz Basilashvili.
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