By Chris Oddo/ Wednesday, October 2, 2013

The 30-something contingent on the ATP got a little smaller this week, as 31-year-old David Nalbandian and 33-year-old Xavier Malisse, who once competed in the Wimbledon semifinals in 2002, announced their retirements in the same 48-hour span. While most attention was placed on Nalbandian's decision, a wellspring of support and affection also resounded for Malisse, who played his last match at the Mons Challenger in Belgium Wednesday.

He's Done: Nalbandian Announces Retirement, Citing Injuries as Main Factor

The smooth, pony-tailed Belgian reached a career-high ranking of No. 19 in the world, and became the first Belgian male to ever finish a season inside the ATP's top 25. In addition to his Wimbledon semifinal in 2002, Malisse also reached the last 16 at the All England Club on three other occasions, including 2011 and 2012.

Juan Martin del Potro Forgets the Past and Praises Nalbandian after Retirement Announcement

“I liked the pressure of the game but I'm also relieved,” Malisse said after dropping out to Sergiy Stakhovsky in straight-sets. “Now I'm going to relax with my family and friends. It is hard to leave but we have to stop one day.”

Nalbandian announced his retirement on Tuesday. The former world No. 3 reached the Wimbledon final in 2002 and in 2003 held a match point against Andy Roddick in the U.S. Open semifinals before bowing out.

Both Nalbandian and Malisse are clever, artistic players that entertained fans with surreal shotmaking, smoothness and a flair for the subtleties of the game.

Twitter was rife with praise for each player, and Nalbandian's retirement even spearheaded a debate about where the Argentine's backhand ranked among the best of all-time. Read on to see the tweets...

Smoothest-operator is retiring... Good on ya X-Man.

— Amer Delic (@AmerDelic) October 2, 2013

Xavier Malisse, fluid player who never really realised his potential has announced his retirement. Earlier in week Nalbandian also retired.

— Craig Gabriel (@crosscourt1) October 2, 2013

Returned home from meetings at Wimbledon to learn that X-man AKA Xavier Malisse has retired. A lovely guy and brilliant player.

— Neil Harman (@NeilHarmanTimes) October 2, 2013

1st David Nalbandian. Now Xavier Malisse. Tough week for #tennis fans who appreciate great, pure ball-striking talent

— Christopher Clarey (@christophclarey) October 2, 2013

the best player ever without winning a slam is leaving the game... all the best @nalbandiandavid . was a honor to play you in #daviscup #rey

— Christopher Kas (@KasiTennis) October 1, 2013

So Nalbandian is retiring in the same week as X. Malisse. Played eachother in 1/2F Wimbledon 2002. 2 talented characters leaving together.

— Dewulf Filip (@GraveyardFilip) October 1, 2013

Wow about nalbandian retiring. Imo he was one of the biggest tennis talents of this century. #retirement #talent #goodluck

— Matevž Fakin (@MatevzF) October 1, 2013

what I recall best from @nalbandiandavid's career, besides 2 @PortugalOpen titles, were his 2 Masters1000 in succession in 2007: UNTOUCHABLE

— Miguel Seabra (@MiguelSeabra) October 1, 2013

I think i may put Nalbandian's BH as the best ever. Tight call between him and Djoko. We'll have to ask @RafaelNadal http://t.co/2CHife6DN7

— Rob Koenig (@RobKoenigTennis) October 2, 2013