Former Wimbledon finalist David Nalbandian of Argentina has announced his retirement from professional tennis due to a shoulder injury.

During a 13-year career, he spent five consecutive seasons in the top 10, reaching as high as No.3 in 2006.

He was the runner-up at Wimbledon in 2002, losing to Australia’s Lleyton Hewitt, and reached the semi-finals or better at all four grand slam tournaments.

At a press conference in Buenos Aires on Tuesday, the 31-year-old Nalbandian said it was a “difficult day” and that he was “super grateful” to the sport of tennis.

“The shoulder does not respond well. I cannot compete at ATP level,” he continued.

This year he has played only 11 times, including a run to the final at a clay tournament in Brazil, and his current world ranking is No.231. His most recent of 11 career singles titles came in 2010 in Washington DC.

Nalbandian said his greatest regret was not being able to win the Davis Cup – he was a losing finalist in 2006, 2008 and 2011.

His final appearance will be an exhibition match against Rafael Nadal on November 23 in Buenos Aires.