30. 06. 10. - 12:00

Muster comeback ends early

Thomas Muster has been taught a lesson after returning to ATP tennis after nine years.

The 42-year-old was knocked out in the first round of the Nord LB Open Challenger tournament in Braunschweig, Germany, by Conor Niland in straight sets (2-6, 1-6) in just 76 minutes yesterday (Tues).

The 28-year-old Irish Davis Cup team member is only number 165 in world tennis.

Muster claimed he was satisfied despite the clear loss.

"This was exactly what I had expected after three weeks of training. I enjoyed every minute. I would have been ready to play longer mentally, but my feet refused to follow," Muster – who won 44 ATP Tour events between 1987 and 1997 – said.

This was his first appearance in professional tennis since 1999. But Muster never officially declared retirement.

The 1995 French Open champion revealed plans to re-enter the ATP Tour in two years.

"I will continue competing in Challenger events this year and in 2011. My wife gave the green light to chase my pubertal dream, so I will make use of that," he explained with a smile.

Muster’s comeback sparked mixed reactions in press and among former colleagues. While some praised his courage and fighting spirit, others labelled Muster’s announcements "very sad news".

Muster stressed: "I don't care what people say - I never did."

Jürgen Melzer meanwhile stood no chance against Roger Federer in the last 16 round at the grass court tournament of Wimbledon. The Swiss six-time Wimbledon champion beat the Lower Austrian 3-6, 2-6, 3-6 on Monday.

Melzer, who beat Jamaican Dustin Brown, Serb Viktor Troicki and Spaniard Feliciano Lopez to get through to the last 16 in the Grand Slam event, reached an all-time career high by making it into the semi finals of the French Open in Paris earlier this month.

He was listed number 16 in the world after this run of success. The 29-year-old won Wimbledon’s junior competition in 1999 and two ATP titles. He was the only Austrian who made it into the last 16 round at Wimbledon this year.

Melzer said he will now compete in a few clay court tournaments.

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