So our Team#1 might play against Thomas Muster...

[welle]

Hi,

I have been passively reading this forum for many years now, but never quite had the urge to post something. However this season in our tennis league something might happen I think is worth of creating a thread.

So this is what's going on: For many years I play in a tennis team in Austria (Styria) and this year we are finally in the same group as a team called SV Leibnitz. Interestingly this is the home-club of Thomas Muster and he is #2 seed. Rumors say he and the clubs #1 seed are going to rotate playing!

Facts that speak for him playing: 1. the club really wants to win and move to a higher league, 2. Muster is friends with many people of the club, 3. Muster is always motivated to play, 4. he has a lot of time now since he quitted his second career (and rumors say he is happy to spend some time without his new wife ), 5. few years back he did play in the same league (won 6:0, 6:2)

Facts speaking against him playing: 1. the date is the weekend of the Roland Garros final, 2. it is an away game, 3. does he really want to play at this level?

If he plays he goes up against our #1 which will most likely not have the slightest chance. However I will try to sit at the bench and coach my teammate... So now the question to you TW board: What can I do, say, whatsoever to coach my player and to distract Muster and give our man a chance? I know you shouldn't distract another player, but come on it's Muster, we just want to have fun (and win at least 1 game).

My suggestions: - high spin on his backhand, - come to the net as often as possible, - mix with deep slices, - hope to have the perfect day and hit every ball nicely.... this way he might get a few games (he serves well)

To distract Muster: - copy serve motion of boris becker?, - ask him how his wife is doing, - ask why he is not trying a 2hbh, might suit him better....

If we still lose we can atleast shake his hand and tell him that "we will never ever again lose against you (maybe touch his bald head)"

Happy to hear your input.

BR

[OldFedIsOld]

If your teammate is playing on clay even going to Muster's backhand won't help that much because the man was born to play on clay, so he has an extreme grip on his backhand.

This is what your teammate will be dealing with, even Kohlshreiber had to work to beat Muster.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5QmLjpZmL-0

[welle]

Originally Posted by OldFedIsOld

If your teammate is playing on clay even going to Muster's backhand won't help that much because the man was born to play on clay, so he has an extreme grip on his backhand.

This is what your teammate will be dealing with, even Kohlshreiber had to work to beat Muster.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5QmLjpZmL-0

well ya, saw that match... I know Muster fairly well, saw several matches live and even was a linesman in some of them... I know that my mate has absolutely no chance against him, but the aim is to at least make a game. So attacking his backhand and serving well is pretty much the only option, I mean high spin on his backhand is at least the better option than hitting on his forehand...

I am looking forward to the match (if it happens), wish I had the opportunity to play him - playing against an ex world #1 and Grand Slam winner sure is something that happens once in a lifetime (if at all)

[penpal]

That would be seriously cool. If it were me, I think I'd just ask Muster what he thinks your player should try against him

[Cindysphinx]

My advice: Tell your player to get Muster's autograph.

[Tammo]

Ask him to play righty and ask for his autograph.

[hcelizondo]

I think you guys only need to enjoy it and forget about winning that game with antics. This is one in a life experience so have some cool pic and autographs nd maybe a beer at the end

[goober]

Make him an offer he can't refuse

If you have a chance to win the match rearrange your lineup so your strongest player is not playing him. If you have no chance to win the overall team match- then it doesn't matter. Accept the beat down.

[burosky]

I suggest the only tried and true advice that guarantees winning the match - "Don't make mistakes (hit every ball back) and hit winners".

[tennis_ocd]

Cool. Hitting the guy with moving car couldn't keep him down. I see no way you take a game. Get a picture and autograph and ask if he could be King on blue clay.

[Loose Cannon]

Stack the Line Up.....I seen this movie....it doesnt end well........


Your guy has no chance.......

[welle]

Things are getting serious now... It was just announced that he is going to play tomorrow (not against us, but another team from our group).
Good thing we will tomorrow play a team very close to Muster's club, so I think I will take a look at the beatdown

oh and btw: if he plays against us I will make some pictures and videos

[welle]

man what would I give to play him... would be so sweet! but I am injured

[J_R_B]

Originally Posted by Loose Cannon

Stack the Line Up.....I seen this movie....it doesnt end well........


Your guy has no chance.......

I've seen that movie, too. Somehow, it ends with the 500 lb coach being carried off the court in victory and all the way to OCB. it was awesome.

[welle]

So Muster really played his first match and won 6:2 6:1! I know the guy he played against and I am surprised he made 3 games... our #1 is way better - so a few games should be possible for him. Keeping you updated

[Loose Cannon]

Originally Posted by welle

So Muster really played his first match and won 6:2 6:1! I know the guy he played against and I am surprised he made 3 games... our #1 is way better - so a few games should be possible for him. Keeping you updated

WHat kind of Shape is Muster in?


Is he going 100%.....Not that he wouldn't

[welle]

Originally Posted by Loose Cannon

WHat kind of Shape is Muster in?


Is he going 100%.....Not that he wouldn't

I can't really tell, haven't talked to someone who watched the match yet. But since he played professionally until last year I guess he is in good shape... I mean it's Muster!