What Andy Murray's Loss to Novak Djokovic Means for 2015 French Open

Andy Murray couldn't quite get rolling in the biggest tournaments last season, so a hot start at the 2015 Australian Open was an ideal scenario for one of the premier stars in men's tennis.

Although Murray played quality tennis throughout the two weeks in Melbourne, he didn't reach the ultimate goal of notching a third leg in the career Grand Slam. Novak Djokovic defeated the Brit 7-6(5), 6-7(4), 6-3, 6-0 at Melbourne Park on Sunday, inflicting Australian Open final agony on Murray for a fourth time—three of which have come at the hands of the Serbian.

This isn't the end of the world for Murray, because he still has plenty of time to gear up for a third major title at the French Open beginning in late May.

Bernat Armangue/Associated Press

Considering Murray has never made a final at Roland Garros and has gotten to the finals in three prior Australian Opens, though, this will be a tough miss to take.

Rafael Nadal also happens to be the five-time reigning champion in Paris. Presuming Nadal is fit enough to play near full strength, he will make matters even more difficult for Murray to take the next big step in his career.

One positive is that Murray defeated Nadal 6-2, 6-0 in Abu Dhabi to help kick off his year in style. Don't read too much into the blowout, because Nadal is a far different and dangerous player on his preferred clay surface and was playing his first match in months.

The French Open isn't as daunting as it once might have been for Murray. It served as a springboard of sorts in 2014, marking his best Grand Slam result of the year when he advanced to the semifinals, a career-best outing at the event.

Murray's supreme returning, ability to attack from vulnerable positions, fitness and athleticism all translate well to the slower clay surface. If he has the patience to stick out extended rallies and attack at the proper time, he will have as good a chance as anyone of hoisting the trophy.

Until he can rediscover supreme success in the biggest tournaments, Murray will likely be criticized for some of the changes he's made to his team. Those doubting his switch to Amelie Mauresmo as coach won't quiet down for the time being, but Murray must block out the noise and continue to stay on the ATP grind.

For someone who carried the hopes of millions on his shoulders before finally breaking through to win at Wimbledon in 2013, it seems Murray is well suited to do just that.