Andy Murray has suggested he could reverse his decision to quit tennis this year and return to Melbourne's courts in 12 months.
Murray tearfully announced on Friday that he is planning to retire in 2019, and said he could even hang up his racket immediately following the Australian Open.
On Monday, his Melbourne campaign was ended swiftly as Murray threatened a miracle: battling back from two sets down to force a deciding set before ultimately being beaten 6-4 6-4 6-7 (5) 6-7 (4) 6-2 by the Spanish 22nd seed.
The Brit had the backing of the Melbourne Arena crowd throughout his five-set defeat to Bautista Agut and raised a few eyebrows when, speaking after the match, he promised fans he would do "everything possible" to return.
Murray's voice was wavering as he began his on-court interview with his former coach Mark Petchey.
"I think I'm going to be all right," he said with a smile.
"It was incredible, thank you so, so much to everyone that came out tonight. I've loved playing here over the years, it's an amazing place to play tennis. If this was my last match, an amazing match to end.
"I gave literally everything I had. It wasn't enough tonight so congratulations to Roberto and his team.
"I don't really have anything else to say but thanks to everyone, my team, my family, and everyone that's contributed to my tennis career.
"Maybe I'll see you again. I'll do everything possible to try. If I want to go again, I'll need to have a big operation, which there's no guarantee I'll be able to come back from, but I'll give it my best shot."
