Caroline Wozniacki heads into retirement after Australian Open defeat

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A few of the words that come to mind for fellow @WTA players when it comes to describing @CaroWozniacki 🙌#AO2020 | #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/Dkc2bE9erz

— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 24, 2020

The 29-year-old said last year that Melbourne Park, where she won her lone Grand Slam title two years ago, would be the site of her final outing as a tennis professional.

Wozniacki, one of the most popular players on the women’s circuit, sat beside the court soaking up the atmosphere for a few moments before addressing a packed Melbourne Arena.

“I’d like to thank the fans, the support we feel on court is really amazing. Also the support I’ve had my from family, and especially my dad, who has coached me all those years,” she said, smiling through the tears.

“It’s been really amazing, it’s been a great ride.”

There’s so many special memories to cherish, @CaroWozniacki ??#AO2020 | #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/trHBZQmhGW

— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 24, 2020

“I usually don’t cry, sorry, those are the special moments I’ll remember. It’s been really amazing, a great ride. I really am happy, though, I’m ready for the next chapter.”

Great news: The tennis world may not have seen the last of @CaroWozniacki just yet.

“You may see me around, not on court, but off the court still.”

Yes please!!!#AO2020 | #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/HvX0VrNpHK

— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 24, 2020

Wozniacki was renowned for having one of the best defences in the women’s game but Jabeur ushered her out of the door with a barrage of 43 winners.

The Dane showed the fighting spirit of a champion to battle back from 3-0 down in the deciding set but Jabeur always looked to have the measure of her service when she was able to keep her big shots within the lines.

READ | AusOpen: Serena knocked out by Wang, Barty on a roll

Wozniacki lost her final service game as a tennis professional and her last stroke was a forehand that went long to send the Tunisian world number 78 into the fourth round of a Grand Slam for the first time.

“I think it was only fitting that my career would end with a three-setter, a grinder,” Wozniacki laughed.

“I think it was only fitting that my last match would be a three-setter, a grinder and that I would finish my career with a forehand error.”

Ever the joker, @CaroWozniacki ??#AO2020 | #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/LhFs8Kxkyj

— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 24, 2020

“And that I would finish my career with a forehand error, these are the things I have been working for all of my career.”

With the entire crowd on its feet applauding, Wozniacki completed her final afternoon on court by performing a lap of honour draped in the Danish flag.

????????????@CaroWozniacki takes one last lap of Melbourne Arena to the tune of ‘Sweet, Caroline’ ??#AO2020 | #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/r3pIt1o86c

— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 24, 2020

Jabeur, who beat 12th seed Johanna Konta in the first round and former world number four Caroline Garcia in the second, will next face the winner of the match between Serena Williams and Wang Qiang.

“I’m really happy, usually I lose in the first round at this Grand Slam,” said the 25-year-old. “I don’t have much experience so I had some nerves, especially in the third set.

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“I’m really lucky that I played you Caro,” she added, turning to Wozniacki. “You have been such an inspiration.”