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Moscow - While Roger Federer challenges again for world No 1 status at age 33, his contemporary Nikolay Davydenko packed in his career on Thursday, making it official at the Kremlin Cup.
"I am 33 years old," said the winner of six career titles who has been injured for much of this season, "I won 21 ATP tournaments, including three Masters 1000 events and the World Tour Finals in London.
"I don't have any regrets about not winning a Grand Slam or not being number one in the world. I was in the top 10 for some years."
Davydenko said his physical condition finally forced him to hang up his racquet. "Unfortunately, for some years now, I have been struggling with injuries. It's hard for me to talk about it.
"I've been thinking when to announce it: the time has come. I have my whole life to live. I officially announce my retirement from professional tennis."
Davydenko said he made the decision last June after the French Open, where the No 244 lost in the first round to Robin Haase, a defeat which proved to be his final match.
"I felt I could not play at the level I used to play at. I practiced twice a day, but I felt I couldn't achieve the result I wanted. But I was waiting for the moment when I would wake up and say to myself it was enough."
Davydenko won a third Masters 1000 title in 2009 as well as the year-end event in London. He also reached four Grand Slam semi-finals and helped Russia to the 2006 Davis Cup.
The father of one said that he will focus now start a new career in business and finance.
