Sam Groth plays his last singles match in loss to Taylor Fritz in Australian Open qualifying

SAM Groth’s singles career is over.The Newcombe medallist and former world No 53 bowed out in typically belligerent fashion on Wednesday.

Sam Groth in action on Wednesday.

SAM Groth’s singles career is over.

The Newcombe medallist and former world No 53 bowed out in typically belligerent fashion, pushing US top seed Taylor Fritz to a tight 6-4 3-6 7-6 (7-3) decision in opening-round Australian Open qualifying on Wednesday.

Overlooked for a main draw wildcard, Groth thumped 54 winners and 14 aces and almost conjured a miracle win, saving match points in the 12th game of the decider.

Sam Groth in action on Wednesday.

But the highly rated Fritz clawed his way past the 30-year-old Australian, restricting his unforced error count to just 24, compared to Groth’s 48.

Groth will have a main draw swan song in doubles with Lleyton Hewitt and mixed doubles with Sam Stosur before entering retirement, ending a rollercoaster career.

Forced out of tennis by injury, he fought back admirably to earn Davis Cup selection and recognition as Australia’s finest player in 2015.

Groth’s departure was offset by the fine wins of John-Patrick Smith, Brad Mousley, Andrew Whittington and James Duckworth.

But Marinko Matosevic, Dayne Kelly, Blake Ellie, Maverick Banes, Marc Polmans and Omar Jasika were all eliminated.

Duckworth was among the more impressive, bulldozing Jasika 6-2 6-4.

Women’s qualifying starts tomorrow, with eight Australian entrants.

Taylor Fritz was too good for Sam Groth in Australian Open qualifying on Wednesday.

Ellen Perez, Priscilla Hon, Naiktha Bains, Tammi Patterson, Arina Rodionova, Isabelle Wallace, Sara Tomic and Kimberly Birrell will bid to reach the main draw.

Former grand slam semi-finalists Vera Zvonareva and Patty Schnyder will contest qualifying.

Schnyder, 39 and a semi-finalist here in 2004, will play her first Melbourne Park match since 2011 while Zvonareva, who reached the final four in 2009 and ‘11, returns after a three-year absence.