INTERVIEWS

Thomas Muster: Life after Tennis

The king of clay prepares for retirement.

Thomas Muster is 31 years old. The Austrian is currently ranked No.16 in the world. After a frustrating 1997 season with only two titles won (Dubai and Key Biscayne) he dropped out of the Top 10 in September 1997 for the first time since April 1995, a fact which surprised most, because Muster was the dominant player on clay on the ATP Tour over the past few years.

When asked whether he would like to get back to the top, Muster said in Dubai: "Of course I'd like to, but it's not my priority. I've reached most my goals and when my career is over I will have many other things to do."

The iron man of the men's game is obviously serious about preparing himself for a life after tennis. Muster has been at his home in Australia where he has lived for most of the last four months and will continue to spend as much time as possible there.

What does a player do after he retires from professional tennis? "When I retire from tennis there are all kinds of things I want to do. I'd like to go to a business school or maybe take an artistic design course. I want to complete my helicopter instructor course, continue painting and do some surfing," said Muster, who already travels to most of the European tournaments in his own plane flown by coach, manager and friend Ronnie Leitgeb.

"My way of life in Australia focuses more on the outdoors. I used to paint more when I was in Europe, because it would get dark earlier. Right now I have four or five paintings that I have started, but I don't know when they will be completed," said Muster.

For the moment, though, Muster is setting his sights on another year at the top of the game, with a renewed focus on claycourt events. He plans to play less events than he used to. He just wants to enjoy his tennis and the competition: The sport he has lived for over the last 15 years.

Thanks to the ATP Tour Site for all the info on this page. For more portraits of other players, please check out the ATP Tour Magazine, Portraits section.