Tearful Arthurs hobbles into retirement

MELBOURNE, Jan 19 (Reuters) A teary-eyed Wayne Arthurs endured an unhappy ending to his Australian Open career when he was forced to quit his third-round match against American Mardy Fish after spraining his ankle during the warm-up today.

Playing in his last Open before heading into retirement, the Australian hobbled around court before he shook his head and quit while trailing 3-0 in the first set.

After shaking hands with Fish, the sobbing Arthurs slumped back into his chair and covered his face with a towel.

Cheered by his home fans, Arthurs eventually got back on his feet and acknowledged the crowd by waving to all corners of the stands.

Arthurs's exit leaves Lleyton Hewitt as the sole Australian left in the men's draw.

Reuters AY DS1245