1995 French Open champion Thomas Muster has opened up for the first time about his four-year partnership with Latvia’s Anastasija Sevastova.
Muster, who won 44 ATP titles between 1986-1997, has claimed that he was an instrumental figure in persuading the 28-year-old to return to the tour. Sevastova retired from the sport in May 2013 due to persistent injuries, but returned in January 2015. Since returning, she has claimed two WTA titles and peaked at a high high of 11th last month. Sevastova also achieved her best performance in a grand slam at this year’s US Open where she reached the semi-finals.
“I’ve been looking after Anastasija Sevastova for four years. Hardly anyone knows that.” Muster told Austrian newspaper Tiroler Tageszeitung.
“She had already stopped, had nothing left. I brought her back to tennis, now I coach her over the phone. I do that for free, no one has to know.”
The bond between Muster and Sevastova originally started when she was working in Austria. During her hiatus from the tour, Sevastova was teaching tennis at the Better Tennis Academy in Vienna, whilst going to university at the weekend to study tourism. Her boyfriend, Ronald Schmidt, coached Muster during the later stages of his career.
“Thomas gives us advice again and again, we have a great relationship with him and are very happy that he helps us with many things – in the tournament planning, training and with mental things.” Schmidt told Tennis Magazin earlier this year.
Whilst Sevastova is a high-profile player, Muster prefers to stay in the background. The 51-year-old is Austria’s most successful player. Prior to Rafael Nadal, he was nicknamed the ‘king of clay’ after winning 24 consecutive finals on the surface between may 1990 and July 1995. He also held the No.1 ranking for six weeks during 1996.
“I never liked the attention, never understood why I was made such an idol. I did a good job, but there were always more important things than tennis.” Muster reflected.
Sevastova ends 2018 with a win-loss record of 47-23 and has achieved four wins over top 10 players.
