Dominic Thiem brings down Thomas Muster in opening round – Erste Bank Open 2011
Dominic Thiem, Austrian world No.1890, out lasted Erste Bank Open 2011 opening round match against former world No.1, veteran compatriot, Thomas Muster, who finally gave up and retired after he was defeated in straight sets, 2-6,
3-6 in an hour and three minutes of the indoor hard court match at Wiener Stadthalle in Vienna.
Although he lost the match, Muster went into tears as he ended his journey from where he started, Vienna. A career of more than a decade does bring a star like Muster, also known formerly as the king of clay. With a standing ovation
by the fans, the 44-year-old started of his first round match serving first.
Serving out the match opener, Muster served first, however, had a poor start and broke down as Theim well judged the 44-year-old and capitalized. Extending his lead to 2-0, the 18-year-old extended his lead before Muster rolled
down his side of the scoreboard for the first time in the match, 1-2.
Stepping on the winning pedal, Thiem kept on hammering the old dog, 3-1, and broke Muster for the second time in game 5, 4-1. With a third consecutive win; Thiem added another game to his side of the scoreboard, 5-1. Left out with
just one more win to pocket the set, the 18-year-old cleared up game 8, 6-2, to win the set and lead the match.
Continuing with set 2, Muster blistered a triple game point set starter, 1-0, and switched the serve. Levelling up the next instant, the 18-year-old won his first serve of the set, 1-1. Serving again, the veteran Austrian went
on serving out game 3 first, breaking in game 4 and broke down next, 2-3.
Levelling up next, Thiem blistered game 6 to finally level up the scores, 3-3 and went magnificent. Breaking the 44-year-old again in game 7, the young competitor staggered his rival with a super comeback, 4-3. With just two more
to go for his straight set win, he did not show mercy for the 44-year-old as he broke-n-served again to finish off the veteran and the match in straight sets.
With a goodbye standing ovation and an emotional send off in his final appearance on the ATP World Tour, Muster took his walk in tears. On the other hand, Thiem converted the first round battle into a seat in the second round of
Erste Bank Open 2011.
Making a lucky win and into the 2nd stage of the ATP World Tour 250 event, Thiem faces either Nikolay Davydenko or Steve Darcis next for a spot in the final eight.
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