Wozniacki ends distinguished career with 3rd round loss at the Australian Open

Caroline Wozniacki bid farewell to the WTA circuit following a heart-breaking loss in the third round at the 2020 Australian Open.

The Auckland semifinalist faced Tunisia's Ons Jabeur, over whom she holds a 1-0 career lead. The pair last met at the 2015 Indian Wells Masters event, with Wozniacki claiming the victory in straight sets.

However, there was a lot more at stake in this matchup. Wozniacki was looking to extend her stay at her final Grand Slam event, whereas Jabeur was hoping to reach the fourth round of a Slam for the first time.

The crowd was fully behind Wozniacki, who won this event in 2018 to capture her lone Grand Slam trophy. Despite the obvious disparity in support, Jabeur was able to overcome her nerves and opposition to win the match 7-5 3-6 7-5 in two hours and 7 minutes.

Both women faced and converted on multiple break points in the first set, but it was Jabeur who outhit her Danish opponent to claim the first set, accumulating 15 winners to Wozniacki's 2.

Not known for her power from the baseline, the former World No.1 relied on her speed and consistency to frustrate the Tunisian and claim the second set after a single break.

It came down to the final set, as the crowd encouraged the 2018 champion. This allowed Wozniacki to recover from an early break to level the set at 3-3.

With both ladies recognizing the significance of the last few games, neither was willing to bend. It came down to the final game, where Wozniacki eventually faltered and a somber Jabeur emerged victorious.

It has been an illustrious career for the Dane, winner of 30 WTA singles titles including one Grand Slam. Wozniacki, who is one of the most respected players on the tour, will be missed by both her peers and fans all over the world.

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