Muster staging a comeback?

Published : Aug 16, 2003 00:00 IST

When news broke that Thomas Muster is considering a return to the ATP tour after more than four years away, some thought it was a hoax. Since turning his back on the sport in 1999, the Austrian played more golf than tennis, took up smoking and piled on the pounds.

By his own admission, the 35-year-old did not pick up a tennis racket for two years. After taking part in the ATP senior's Tour event in Southern Austria, Muster will decide whether to compete in the main ATP tour. Hs trademark grit is already apparent. Muster shed over 20kg in seven months and is training full throttle. "I'll make my decision in the autumn. At the moment I haven't really got any idea how far I've really made it back," Muster said.

"I'm basically doing an eight-hour day of training just like I did in former days. The levels are very, very good, above all in the area of stamina." Training partner Markus Hipfl said he was surprised to see how well Muster was playing again.

"It's sensational to see what a person can achieve within the shortest period of time, to become fit again like he has," Hipfl said.

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