Jamie Murray missed the chance to overtake Virgina Wade and become the most decorated British player at Grand Slam tournaments in the Open era.
The 33-year-old was attempting to win his eighth major tournament title in Melbourne alongside flamboyant American partner Mattek-Sands.
Five of Murray’s triumphs have come in the mixed doubles but he failed to add to his haul as the pair fell to a 5-7, 6-1, 10-1 defeat against Barbora Krejcikova and Nikola Mektic.
The two teams had to wait until Sofia Kenin’s three-set win over Garbine Muguruza in the women’s final was over before they got underway on Rod Laver Arena.
And Murray made a slow start as his serve was broken in the opening game when Mattek-Sands left a floating shot which landed in.
The Brit and his partner were handed lifeline when Mektic delivered a double fault while serving for the first set.
That seemed to kick Mattek-Sands into action and she hit a thunderous return winner two games later to set up two set points.
The 34-year-old then turned the tide in her side’s favour with another brutal winner to break – this time a backhand return down the line.
Murray’s serve was broken again early in the second set and Mattek-Sands was unable to hold hers two games later.
But the American clawed back some of the deficit when she broke back in the following game.
“Beth thanks for being a great partner again. We have a lot of success and also a lot of fun on the court
“I hope it continues in the future. Thanks to everyone for all the support. We hope to come back next year and win.”
Murray and Wade remained tied on seven Grand Slam titles but the former will get another chance of surpassing the retired star at the French Open.