Andy Murray defends lengthy break

Andy Murray is standing by his decision to take a break from the tennis season following his defeat to Novak Djokovic in the final of the Australian Open.

The British number one took five weeks out before making his comeback last week at the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells, where he was knocked out in the quarter-finals by Juan Martin Del Potro.

Murray was criticised by sections of the media for his absence throughout February, but he has staunchly defended the break.

"A 100% I would take that break again," ESPN quotes Murray as saying. "You have to look further down the road sometimes and not just focus on one event.

"The tour is extremely hard and physical and I hope by taking a break now, when I get to French Open, Wimbledon time, hopefully I'll be a bit fresher than I have been the past few years."

Murray's next competitive appearance will be at the Sony Open in Miami this week.