Posted: Mon December 3, 2012 12:14PM; Updated: Mon December 3, 2012 12:14PM

Juan Ignacio Chela, 33, retires from tennis

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Juan Ignacio Chela retires
Juan Ignacio Chela of Argentina peaked at No. 15 in the ATP rankings in 2004.
Julian Finney/Getty Images

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) - Juan Ignacio Chelsea says he is retiring from professional tennis, leaving with six ATP singles titles and three in doubles - all on clay.

The 33-year-old Argentine has been hinting at retirement for weeks, and he announced it Monday on his Twitter account.

Chela reached three Grand Slam quarterfinals - the French Open in 2004 and 2011, and the U.S. Open in 2007.

Known as "El Flaco'' (The Skinny One), Chela is retiring with his singles ranking at No. 176 and career earnings at $6.5 million.

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