Sam Groth’s singles career is over after an agonising third set tiebreak loss to emerging American Taylor Fritz in qualifying for the Australian Open.
The Victorian had previously announced his intention to retire from professional tennis at his home grand slam, which came with a 6-4 4-6 7-6 (7-3) loss to the 20-year-old.
Groth, 30, will play doubles with Lleyton Hewitt and Sam Stosur next week as the former Newcombe Medallist farewells the sport.