Tennis: Muster makes boycott threat
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Thomas Muster, of Austria, who is still incensed at abuse directed at him in a Davis Cup tie in Brazil last month, said yesterday that he would rather stop playing in the competition than risk injury at the hands of unruly fans.
Muster, the world No 3, marched off court during the clash between Austria and Brazil in Sao Paulo, after feeling threatened by the crowd. The International Tennis Federation last week ordered Austria to forfeit pounds 39,000 in prize- money for failing to complete the tie and upheld pounds 5,000 fines imposed on the spot against Muster.
Muster, in Hong Kong for the Marlboro Championships, defended his actions and said the referee's report was nonsense. "If the ITF continues to support these countries and they continue to cause trouble, sooner or later somebody is going to be injured," he said. "But it will not be me. I am not interested in playing Davis Cup again. It is not sport. I will play next year and see [what happens]."
Australia's Patrick Rafter upset the third-seed, Yevgeny Kafelnikov of Russia, 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 in the opening round of the championships. Kafelnikov, the French Open champion, came up against an inspired Rafter, who won the match on his third match point after two breaks in the third set. Both players are in the Red Group, which includes America's Michael Joyce.
Byron Black of Zimbabwe defeated Grant Connell of Canada 6-3, 6-4 in the Silver Group, which is headed by Pete Sampras, of the United States. Connell takes on the top-ranked Sampras today. Sweden's Jonas Bjorkman was also in fine form as he defeated Neville Godwin, of South Africa, 6-2, 6-3 in his opening match in the Gold Group.
The 12 players in the tournament are divided into four groups of three each, with the winner in each group advancing into the semi-finals.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments