Maria Sharapova feels she is close to a breakthrough victory over Serena Williams, but even honourable losses have merit when you're up against a 19-time grand slam winner.
The Australian Open final was Sharapova's 16th straight defeat against Williams.
Given how much world No.1 Williams has dominated women's tennis over the past 10 years, Sharapova took solace in the fact she was again runner-up to an all-time great.
"If I'm getting to the finals of grand slams and setting myself up to play a match against Serena ... I'm happy to be in that position," Sharapova said, describing it as an "honour" to play against Williams.
"If I'm getting to the stage of competing against someone like Serena, I'm doing something well.
"I love the competition. I love playing against the best and at the moment she is.
"I'm proud to be part of an era where she's in."
Sharapova could take heart from the fact her 6-3 7-6 (7-5) defeat was nowhere near as one-sided as the 6-1 6-2 thumping dished out by Williams in the 2007 final at Melbourne Park.
The Russian was outclassed for much of the match, but showed plenty of pluck in the second set when she saved all four break points faced.
"If I keep setting up myself chances, absolutely," Sharapova said, when asked if she was getting closer to her first win over Williams since 2004.
Williams' powerful serve was again a clear point of difference.
"As much as I would love to hit a 200 kilometre an hour serve, I just don't think that's feasible with my shoulder," Sharapova said.
"I made a few errors, but I don't think as many as in my previous matches against her."
Sharapova flew out of Melbourne on Sunday, with her next assignment being a Fed Cup clash with Poland.
Much has been made of the 27-year-old's split loyalties between Russia and the US, and she did little to stifle that talk.
"I'm very much looking forward to the 30-hour flight I'm taking to Krakow," she said sarcastically.
"It's like minus eight, so that's even better.
"Love the climate, love the travel.
"I haven't gone to the match count yet, but all those other things are great.
"Yeah, I'm looking forward to it."
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