In the final match of his career, Luke Saville put up a valiant fight on Rod Laver Arena alongside Li Tu, but ultimately fell to in-form duo Andre Goransson and Sem Verbeek in straight sets.
While Saville and Tu were involved in some lengthy and exciting rallies, Goransson and Verbeek broke early in both sets and were in complete control of the match throughout its duration.
In a brief on-court ceremony following the match, Tournament Director Craig Tiley paid tribute to Saville's fifteen-year career.
"It's fitting that you’re finishing your career on Rod Laver,” Tiley said.
"Unbelievable career..not only the way you performed on the court but the way you performed off the court."
Saville, who has been a part of the professional tennis scene for over a decade after a decorated career as a junior, will stay on the road to help his wife, Daria’s, career.
“You're a role model and I look forward to your continued career working in tennis and making a difference for the young kids,” Tiley continued.
"On behalf of all your tennis family and everyone around the world, we'd like to present you with this special gift."
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Nearing midnight on Melbourne Park’s centre court, Saville graciously accepted Tiley’s gift and expressed his appreciation for all the support he has received throughout his career.
“It’s definitely quite surreal to be standing up here,” Saville said.
"I'd like to thank Craig and all at Tennis Australia everyone here at the AO for a fantastic presentation and for all the support you’ve given me throughout my career. I definitely wouldn’t be here without you guys so thank you.
The Australian - who represented his country at both the Olympics and at Davis Cup (as No.113) - was gracious to many who have assisted his journey.
"I'm truly blessed to have had so many fantastic and influential people with me throughout my career," Saville said on Rod Laver Arena.
“I wouldn’t be here without you and from the bottom of my heart thank you for everything you’ve done for me."
Australian No.1 Alex de Minaur also took to his social media to praise Saville’s career and contribution to tennis in this country.
"You gave everything to the sport...hell of a career mate!” de Minaur wrote.
"You are truly an inspiration and role model....and a person I've always looked up to. I learned so much from you throughout the years. Thank you, mate."
Elsewhere in doubles action on day eight, the majority of seeds progressed, however, there were a few major upsets with two highly fancied Italian pairs being eliminated.
Olympic gold medallists Sara Errani and Jasmine Paolini were eliminated, losing to the talented singles pairing of Mirra Andreeva and Diana Shnaider.
Errani suffered a similar fate in mixed doubles, losing to Henry Patten and Olivia Nicholls alongside Andrea Vavassori.
Top seeds Marcelo Arevalo and Mate Pavic also moved through in straight sets as did fan-favourites Hsieh Su-Wei and Jelena Ostapenko.
Australians Kim Birrell and J.P. Smith also scored an upset win on Margaret Court Arena over seventh seeds Demi Schuurs and Tim Puetz, in a 3-set battle.
Tomorrow sees round 3 women’s and men’s doubles action continue with Andreeva and Shnaider taking on Birrell and Olivia Gadecki, before Gadecki returns alongside John Peers to take on Arevalo and Timea Babos.
There will be at least one Australian winner in the doubles tomorrow with Ellen Perez and her German partner Kevin Krawietz set to take on Priscilla Hon and Alex Bolt late in the day on 1573 Arena.
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