Known as the "King of Clay", Thomas Muster holds the best two-year consecutive clay court record since the Open Era began in 1968. His overall 1995-96 record on the surface was 111 wins to only 5 losses.
In 1989 Thomasâ career was almost cut short before it had truly begun. On the eve of the finals of the prestigious Lipton Championships in Florida, Muster was struck by a drunk driver, severing ligaments in his left knee. In a testament to his grit and dedication and with the aid of a special chair designed to allow him to practice hitting balls while recovering from his knee surgery, Muster was incredibly able to return to competitive tennis just six months later.
From 1990 to 1995 Musterâs dominance of clay court tennis continued to grow. In 1995, he won 12 titles, winning 65 matches and losing only 2. Between February and June he won 40 consecutive clay court matches. The French Open that year saw Muster finally claim his first (and only) Grand Slam title, and in February 1996, he attained the World No. 1 ranking.
Muster now lives in Graz and has established his own brand âTomsâ that produces wine and water, his own clothing line and owns a hotel. The fierce intensity of his character which made him so competitive is now less in evidence, and he is one of the most popular and friendly faces on the Champions Tour.
My Favourite....
Film: Meet the Fockers
Book: Salt in the Coffee - Hans Blickendorfer
Song: Walking on Sunshine - Katrina and The Waves
Meal: Pancakes
My Ideal Dinner Guests
Phil Collins
Warren Buffet
Bono
Visit the players website for more information:
www.thomasmuster.com
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