Murray suffers defeat in Adelaide

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Andy Murray's preparations for his Australian Open debut took a knock when he went out of the Adelaide International in the second round.

The 18-year-old Scot lost 7-6 4-6 6-1 to world number 24 Tomas Berdych.

Berdych goes on to face German Philipp Kohlschreiber after he upset top seed Lleyton Hewitt 6-3 0-6 7-5.

"Compared to my first match it was a lot better performance, so I have to be positive. I was disappointed I didn't serve as well as I can," said Murray.

"I was much better on the ground, I came to the net a little bit and was moving well.

"You want to make sure you are playing better and getting closer and closer to your best with each match.

It's a matter of being ready to go when the bell rings straight away Lleyton Hewitt

"For me, the most important tournament of this trip is the Australian Open."

Murray will now head to Auckland for his final warm-up tournament before he competes in the Melbourne Grand Slam.

Hewitt is determined to return to form in time for the Australian Open after his error-strewn display against the unseeded Kohlschreiber.

The world number four has been off the circuit for the best part of three months because of a foot injury and the birth of his baby daughter.

"Some bad double faults and errors meant I was playing catch-up in the third set," said the top seed.

"I've always played well in Sydney and hopefully I can get some matches under my belt there against tough opponents before going into Melbourne.

"It's a matter of being ready to go when the bell rings straight away, in the last two matches I've given my opponents a start."

There was more bad news for the home fans in Adelaide as Mark Philippoussis was crashed out 3-6 6-4 6-1 at the hands of Dominik Hrbaty.