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    Australian Open 2016: Lleyton Hewitt's career ends

    By Ravi Ubha, CNN

    Updated 1746 GMT (0146 HKT) January 21, 2016

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    Lleyton Hewitt bid a fond farewell to the Australian Open crowd as he left the stadium with his family.
    Photos: End of an era for Aussie battler
    Lleyton Hewitt bid a fond farewell to the Australian Open crowd as he left the stadium with his family.
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    The 34-year-old bowed out of the tournament -- and the game -- after losing his second round match against David Ferrer. Hewitt was gallant in defeat and embraced his opponent, congratulating him on his victory.
    Photos: End of an era for Aussie battler
    The 34-year-old bowed out of the tournament -- and the game -- after losing his second round match against David Ferrer. Hewitt was gallant in defeat and embraced his opponent, congratulating him on his victory.
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    The stadium was packed full for the occasion, with Hewitt supporters keen to witness the final foray of a true legend of the game.
    Photos: End of an era for Aussie battler
    The stadium was packed full for the occasion, with Hewitt supporters keen to witness the final foray of a true legend of the game.
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    The trademark fist pump was seen more than once, but Hewitt was ultimately unable to overcome his opponent, losing in straight sets 6-2 6-4 6-4.
    Photos: End of an era for Aussie battler
    The trademark fist pump was seen more than once, but Hewitt was ultimately unable to overcome his opponent, losing in straight sets 6-2 6-4 6-4.
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    Whatever the result, the home setting made this a fitting exit for the player.
    Photos: End of an era for Aussie battler
    Whatever the result, the home setting made this a fitting exit for the player.
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    Lleyton Hewitt calls time on his tennis career, 20 years after appearing in his first Australian Open.
    Photos: End of an era for Aussie battler
    Lleyton Hewitt calls time on his tennis career, 20 years after appearing in his first Australian Open.
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    Hewitt was always proud to play for his country, and led Australia to Davis Cup success in 1999 and 2003. He will take up the role of team captain in March 2016 after retiring from playing.
    Photos: End of an era for Aussie battler
    Hewitt was always proud to play for his country, and led Australia to Davis Cup success in 1999 and 2003. He will take up the role of team captain in March 2016 after retiring from playing.
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    Hewitt's trademarks included wearing his baseball cap the wrong way around and endlessly fist-pumping during matches.
    Photos: End of an era for Aussie battler
    Hewitt's trademarks included wearing his baseball cap the wrong way around and endlessly fist-pumping during matches.
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    Hewitt's former coach Darren Cahill says the Adelaide native's greatest victory came against Gustavo Kuerten during a 2001 Davis Cup tie in Brazil, where Australia won 3-1.
    Photos: End of an era for Aussie battler
    Hewitt's former coach Darren Cahill says the Adelaide native's greatest victory came against Gustavo Kuerten during a 2001 Davis Cup tie in Brazil, where Australia won 3-1.
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    Hewitt's big breakthrough moment came in 2001 when he defeated Pete Sampras to win the U.S. Open at Flushing Meadows. Hewitt won in straight sets to stun the home crowd in New York.
    Photos: End of an era for Aussie battler
    Hewitt's big breakthrough moment came in 2001 when he defeated Pete Sampras to win the U.S. Open at Flushing Meadows. Hewitt won in straight sets to stun the home crowd in New York.
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    A year later, Hewitt was at it again, this time winning Wimbledon. On this occasion, he defeated Argentina's David Nalbandian 6-1 6-3 6-2 in the final.
    Photos: End of an era for Aussie battler
    A year later, Hewitt was at it again, this time winning Wimbledon. On this occasion, he defeated Argentina's David Nalbandian 6-1 6-3 6-2 in the final.
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    Hewitt married actress/singer Rebecca Cartwright in 2005, and they have three children: Mia, Cruz and Ava. He was previously engaged to fellow tennis star Kim Clijsters.<br />
    Photos: End of an era for Aussie battler
    Hewitt married actress/singer Rebecca Cartwright in 2005, and they have three children: Mia, Cruz and Ava. He was previously engaged to fellow tennis star Kim Clijsters.
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    Hewitt reached his only Australian Open final in 2005 but was beaten by Marat Safin. The Russian came from behind to win 1-6 6-3 6-4 6-4.
    Photos: End of an era for Aussie battler
    Hewitt reached his only Australian Open final in 2005 but was beaten by Marat Safin. The Russian came from behind to win 1-6 6-3 6-4 6-4.
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    Since making his Davis Cup debut in 1999, Hewitt has played 78 matches in the competition, winning 50 of them. As well as winning two titles, he was on the losing side in two finals.
    Photos: End of an era for Aussie battler
    Since making his Davis Cup debut in 1999, Hewitt has played 78 matches in the competition, winning 50 of them. As well as winning two titles, he was on the losing side in two finals.
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    Hewitt has enjoyed great support wherever he's played, courtesy of the "Aussie Fanatics" who follow their favorite players across the world.
    Photos: End of an era for Aussie battler
    Hewitt has enjoyed great support wherever he's played, courtesy of the "Aussie Fanatics" who follow their favorite players across the world.
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    hewitt retires aus openLeyton Hewitt: David FerrerAustralian Open CrowdHewitt fist pumpLeyton Hewitt MelbourneLleyton HewittHewitt 1999Hewitt fist pumpHewitt Davis Cup BrazilHewitt US OpenHewitt WimbledonLleyton Bec HewittAustralian Open 2005 finalHewitt Aussie OpenAussie fans

    Story highlights

    • Tennis veteran beaten at Australian Open
    • Hewitt plays final singles match of career
    • Tributes from tennis greats

    Melbourne (CNN)His distinctive roars of "come on" will be no longer on the men's tennis tour.

    Lleyton Hewitt played the last singles match of his successful, injury-hit career Thursday, sent into retirement by David Ferrer at his home grand slam in Melbourne.
      The eighth seed from Spain prevailed 6-2 6-4 6-4, then left the court as tributes poured in for the 34-year-old who contested his 20th straight -- and final -- Australian Open.
      Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray were among those who spoke via recorded messages played on a big screen at Rod Laver Arena, which brought the normally hard-nosed Hewitt close to tears.
      Australian Open 2016: Lleyton Hewitt says goodbye
      Australian Open 2016: Lleyton Hewitt says goodbye
      Australian Open 2016: Father to be Andy Murray races to third round
      Australian Open 2016: Father to be Andy Murray races to third round
      The former No. 1 and twice grand slam champion was joined on court by his young children, daughters Mia and Ava and son Cruz. Actress wife Bec Cartwright couldn't hold back tears as she watched from the players' box.
      Read More
      "Tonight is the day for him, not for me," said Ferrer, who has a signed t-shirt from Hewitt at home in Spain.
      Ferrer controlled the second-round match following an even start, with Hewitt needing treatment from the trainer for a leg issue and then later taking a medical timeout. It was likely the result of match activity for Hewitt, whose previous tournament was the U.S. Open last August.
      Ferrer cruised in the first set and any thoughts of a Hewitt comeback were foiled late in the second when he failed to convert seven break points in a 14-minute game trailing 4-3.
      The match officially ended when Ferrer forced his opponent into a backhand miss.
      At the net, the players had a long conversation.
      It's the last time Hewitt, who will now coach Australia's Davis Cup team, will find himself in that position.
      "It was an unbelievable atmosphere out there," Hewitt told reporters. "A couple of the roars during the match tonight was as loud as I've ever played in front of. I was getting goosebumps at times.
      "Obviously just watching the video and hearing those great players talk about you in that light, you know, was pretty emotional.
      "Especially when I got back in the locker room, I guess that hits you a little bit more then. When I'm with my close friends and coaching staff that have helped me so much out, yeah, it's sort of a strange feeling because you're obviously disappointed not to keep going, but obviously proud of everything we've done as well."
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