Lleyton Hewitt calls umpire a 'freaking idiot' and line judge a 'moron' in heated exchange on Australian Open farewell

The former world number one was playing in his last ever singles match at the tournament

Lleyton Hewitt on his final appearance at the Australian Open (GETTY IMAGES)

Lleyton Hewitt showed that despite playing in his 20th and final Australian Open, none of the fire and passion that have been a trait of his brilliant career has ebbed.

The former world number one was on his way to a straight sets defeat against Spain's David Ferrer, and an exit for the last time from his home tournament, when he entered into a heated exchange with the umpire.

The two-time grand slam winner was called for a foot fault in the third and final set, which led Hewitt to direct an expletive in the direction of the line judge who called it.

He was warned by chair umpire Pascal Maria, to which Hewitt responded. The clearly agitated Australian said the line judge was "a moron" and then called Maria a "freaking idiot" before telling him "that's why everyone in the locker room thinks you're so full of yourself".

And Hewitt calling the linesman a "moron" for the foot fault & Pascal Maria an "idiot." Going out in style #ausopen pic.twitter.com/UBNDlyAdqn

— Andrew Jerell Jones (@sluggahjells) January 21, 2016

The fiery moment failed to turn the tide of the match, with Hewitt losing the third round contest 6-2 6-4 6-4.

Lleyton Hewitt on his final appearance at the Australian Open (GETTY IMAGES)

"I left nothing in the locker room. My whole career I've given 100 per cent," the watery-eyed 34-year-old said on court after video tributes from the likes of Roger Federer and Rafa Nadal were played on the Rod Laver Arena screens.

"I love coming out here and competing. I've been so fortunate to have that opportunity 20 years in a row."

Lleyton Hewitt on his final appearance at the Australian Open (GETTY IMAGES)

Hewitt remains in the mens' doubles tournament.