Becker casts doubt on Muster's 'recovery'

James Leigh
Monday 01 May 1995 18:02 EDT
Comments

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.

TENNIS

Boris Becker found himself embroiled in controversy in Munich yesterday, after he cast doubt on Thomas Muster's "miracle'' comeback win against him in the final of the Monte Carlo Open on Sunday.

The German, who lost the five-set final to the Austrian a day after Muster had collapsed on court and been rushed to hospital suffering from dehydration, questioned how he had recovered in time.

"I don't want to know what he did [Saturday night or Sunday morning]. He has been known to be very fit but [Saturday] on the court he almost seemed to be dying,'' Becker said.

"Just 24 hours later he is down two sets to love and is running quicker in the fifth set than in the first. Either he is a good actor or something unbelievably magical happened overnight."

Becker, who takes part in the Munich Open today against his compatriot, Hendrik Dreekman, was asked if he realised how serious his allegations were. "I am a serious guy. I am just talking about what everybody can see, including myself, '' Becker added.

However, his remarks were immediately criticised by the Monte Carlo Open medical chief, Dr Coudert, who said his first responsibility was to know the list of banned products which could not be administered to players.

Coudert said Muster, who won the match 4-6, 5-7, 6-1, 7-6, 6-0 had been given salt solutions to rehydrate him. "This condition has very spectacular symptoms but the results of treatment are often as spectacular, even if it is medically simple,'' Coudert said.

Muster's win stopped Becker, the three-times Wimbledon champion and a winner of 43 titles, from taking his first title on clay.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in