The X-Man
The 33-year-old called it a career after losing to Sergiy Stakhovsky in the first round of the Mons Challenger in Belgium, which Malisse represented in 15 Davis Cup ties.
“I liked the pressure of the game, but I’m also relieved,” Malisse said. “Now I’m going to relax with my family and friends. It is hard to leave, but we have to stop one day.”
Malisse was ranked as high as 19th. He won three ATP titles, including two at the Delray Beach Open. His first career tour-level match was a three-set loss to top-ranked Pete Sampras in Philadelphia in February 1998. “I think this kid is going to be around a while,” Sampras said of his 17-year-old opponent.
Reason to retire: Age
Career titles: 3
Win-Loss Record: 294-274
Career High Ranking: 19 (2002)
Finest moment: Winning 2 titles at Delray Beach
Famous For: Making the Wimbledon semi-finals in 2002
What Next?: Relaxing
Watch: Xavier Malisse – Message to his fans
