David Nalbandian retirement, a loss: Del Potro

"Everyone knows Nalbandian was a really great player - he won so may good tournaments," World No 1 seven del Potro told reporters in Tokyo, after reaching the quarter-finals of the Japan Open. "We have lost a really talented played from the tour."

David Nalbandian announces his retirement at a press conference in Buenos Aires yesterday. Pic/AFP

Nalbandian, perhaps best known for a stirring five-set comeback victory against Roger Federer in the 2005 Tennis Masters Cup final, hung up his racquet due to a right shoulder problem.

The 31-year-old, winner of 11 ATP Tour titles, had slipped to 231st in the world rankings after another injury-hit season.

Nalbandian called retirement decision ‘difficult'.u00a0"It's a sad day but my shoulder simply can't cope any more at the highest level," he said.u00a0