ATP Classic: Muster’s Stunning Monte-Carlo Comeback Against Becker In 1995

Thomas Muster dug deep in the 1995 Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters final, while Boris Becker considers it one of the toughest losses of his career.

Muster had barely been able to complete his semi-final victory over Andrea Gaudenzi, the current ATP Chairman, the day before, suffering from fatigue, dehydration and a lack of sugar in his blood. But after 10 hours’ sleep and a doctor’s green light, Muster extended his clay-court winning streak to 22 matches after recovering from a two-sets-to-love deficit against Becker in the final.

Muster, the 1992 champion, saved two match points in the fourth set of a 4-6, 5-7, 6-1, 7-6(6), 6-0 victory over three hours and 16 minutes.

« I don’t know how I won the match, » said Muster, afterwards. « After what happened yesterday, I didn’t think I could be able to play today. I would like to thank the medical service that got me ready to play. »

Becker led 6/4 in the fourth set tie-break, double faulting on his first match point and hitting a forehand into the net on the second. But his Austrian opponent fought back to capture his 20th red dirt title since 1990.

« I was feeling confident,” said Becker, who committed 82 unforced errors. “I was risking a lot on my second serve all week. At that moment I had a gut feeling to risk it on my second serve. I had all the chances in the world. But he didn’t give up. »

Unfortunately for former Monte Carlo resident Becker, who also appeared in the 1989 and 1991 finals, he finished his career without a clay-court crown. Muster rose to No. 1 in the FedEx ATP Rankings on 12 February 1996.