Marie-Eve Pelletier retiring from tennis By QMI Agency

Marie-Eve Pelletier is calling it quits after losing at the Australian Open this week. (QMI Agency)

Marie-Eve Pelletier is calling it quits from professional tennis after losing her Australian Open qualifying match on Thursday.

The native of Repentigny, Que., was defeated by 6-2, 6-1 by Russian Marta Sirotkina in the opening round of the first Grand Slam of the season in Melbourne.

The 30-year-old reached a career-high ranking of no. 105 in 2005, while her best doubles ranking was no. 54 in 2010.

Pelletier won three singles titles and 25 doubles crowns on the ITF Pro Circuit, winning over $500,000 in prize money.