An illustrious tennis career came to an end on Friday as Caroline Wozniacki bowed out of the Australian Open against Ons Jabeur.

The match went down to the third set and Jabeur had to grind it out against a 29-year old looking to finish on a high.

“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,” Wozniacki said after the match.

Jabeur broke Caroline Wozniacki thrice to win the first set

Wozniacki opened play on Friday solidly, taking the first three games to edge ahead with a single break. Jabeur, who struggled to find her rhythm initially, responded impressively to win the next three games, forewarning the momentum shift.

The Tunisian star rallied to find herself serving for the first set after breaking Wozniacki at 5-4. However, the Dane fought hard to get the break back and stay in the set. Jabeur once again broke her opponent’s serve before clinching the set on her second opportunity with the help of a forced forehand error from Wozniacki.

Wozniacki levelled the match, but couldn’t finish with a win

After a loss in the first set, Wozniacki fought back to win the second set 6-3. Starting the third set, she won three consecutive games to lead 3-0 but could not hold on to it. Eventually, Ons Jabeur beat Caroline Wozniacki 7-5, 3-6, 7-5.

A former World No. 1, Wozniacki, finished her career with 30 WTA singles titles including an Australian Open in 2018. She is one of the most respected players in tennis and as she waved the fans off for one last time, Wozniacki was guided with nothing but cheers.

Ons Jabeur bid a respectful adieu to a deserving player after reaching her first Round of 16 in a Grand Slam.