Argentina’s Nalbandian retires from tennis with match against Nadal

Argentina’s David Nalbandian finished his professional tennis career with a loss to Spain’s Rafael Nadal at an exhibition in Buenos Aires.

Nadal, the world No. 1, defeated the 31yearold Nalbandian, a former world No. 3, 63, 64 in Saturday’s emotional exhibition.

The 27yearold Nadal got “revenge” for his 46, 67 (68) loss to the Argentine last Thursday at Orfeo Stadium in Cordoba.

Nalbandian capped his retirement party by teaming up with Nadal to play doubles against Serbia’s Novak Djokovic, the world No. 2, and Argentina’s Juan Monaco.

The players clowned around on the court, with Djokovic dressing up as a doctor to treat a supposed injury sustained by Nalbandian.

The nearly 10,000 fans who turned out for the event cheered loudly for Nalbandian and gave an ovation to Nadal, who was making his return to Buenos Aires eight years after playing in the city’s ATP tournament.

The tennis fans also gave Djokovic, who was making his first visit to Argentina, a warm reception.

Nalbandian won 11 titles, including two Masters Series events and a Tennis Masters Cup, reaching the semifinals or better at all four Grand Slam tournaments during his 13year career.

Nadal and Djokovic, who played an exhibition match on Friday across from the Perito Moreno glacier in the Patagonian city of El Calafate, will play in Buenos Aires on Sunday.

The two stars met in the championship match of the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals in London nearly two weeks ago, with Djokovic winning 63, 64.