Wed, Oct 27 10 02:16 AM
Former world number one Thomas Muster lost in straight sets to a fellow Austrian little more than half his age as he returned to the ATP circuit on Tuesday after an 11-year absence.
Andreas Haider-Maurer, 23, won the first-round tie 6-2 7-6 in front of a crowd of around 8,000 at the Vienna Open and wildcard entry Muster received a standing ovation at the end.
Haider-Maurer, ranked 157th in the world, cruised through the first set after twice breaking serve.
His 43-year-old opponent, who enjoyed an iron-man reputation during his heyday and won the French Open in 1995, then produced a gritty performance as he saved four break points to take the second set to a tiebreak.
"It was a great atmosphere ... it's awesome to be back playing," said Muster. "It's all been worthwhile, all the practice.
"I probably could have won that second set but the main thing is that there's no pain, I'm fit and I know I can play long matches.
"I also know I could have played a better match today, that comes with playing matches and building confidence and we'll see in the future," added Muster.
Ranked 974th in the world, the Austrian veteran began his comeback earlier this year on the Challenger Tour and has managed one win in seven outings, against Borut Puc in Slovenia last month.
Muster, who first played in Vienna 26 years ago, became the first over-40 player to compete in the main draw of an ATP tournament since Jimmy Connors in 1996.
Source: Published>
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