Australian Open: Lleyton Hewitt's Singles Career Comes to an End After Loss to David Ferrer

Lleyton Hewitt has bid farewell to the Australian Open and to his singles career as a professional tennis player. (Ana Ivanovic Beats Mid-Match Drama to Stay Alive in Australian Open)

The 34-year-old Hewitt had said he would retire at this year's tournament and his last singles match came on Thursday when he lost in the second round to No. 8 David Ferrer 6-2, 6-4, 6-4.

In a battle between two gritty, combative players, Ferrer was relentless and for most of the match Hewitt was run all over the court as the vocal crowd cheered him on. (Lleyton Hewitt Likely to Retire After 2016 Australian Open)

He also twice received treatment from a trainer for a left thigh ailment and, true to form, berated the chair umpire late in the match.

Hewitt, a former U.S. Open and Wimbledon champion who is now ranked 308th, has already been named Australia's Davis Cup captain.

He is still in the doubles draw with Australian partner Sam Groth.

Lleyton takes his last walk of champions as Ferrer advances to 3rd round #ausopen #hewbeauty https://t.co/aQdbHRvcVZ

- Australian Open (@AustralianOpen) January 21, 2016