May 19th, 2007
Thomas Muster finally reached a final in Hamburg at the tenth attempt, capping a rollercoaster ride of a week.
The Austrian, who lost a tumultuous match on day one against Boris Becker, despite holding match points, will face Sergi Bruguera in the final.
Bruguera maintained his unbeaten run on clay this year with a 6-4, 6-1 win over Michael Stich. Muster defeated Karel Novacek 6-3, 6-3.
“I appreciate this because I’ve never won this tournament,” said Muster.
“There’s a chance for me to win this – I’m looking forward to playing Sergi. I lost to him in Rome last week, and if I can win this one it will be my first title of the year. I’m looking forward to it.”
Bruguera, who currently tops the South African Airways Champions Tour Rankings, was in imperious form against Stich, and will take some beating.
Henri Leconte will meet Goran Ivanisevic in the 3rd/4th place play-off. Ivanisevic overcame Cedric Pioline 6-3, 6-3.
Matches are played over the best of three sets, with the third set taking the form a Champions’ Tie-Break, with the first player to reach 10 points and lead by a margin of two, the winner.
RESULTS FOR SATURDAY, 19th May, 2007
Thomas Muster d. Karel Novacek 6-3, 6-3
Goran Ivanisevic d. Cedric Pioline 6-3, 6-3
Sergi Bruguera d. Michael Stich 6-4, 6-1
SCHEDULE FOR SUNDAY, 20th May, 2007
At 10.30am
3rd/4th place play-off
Goran Ivanisevic vs. Henri Leconte
After the ATP Masters Series Final
The Final
Thomas Muster vs. Sergi Bruguera
GROUP STANDINGS
GROUP A
Matches Won/Lost (sets)
Thomas Muster 2-1 (5-3)
Henri Leconte 2-1 (5-2)
Karel Novacek 1-2 (2-4)
Boris Becker 1-2 (2-5)
GROUP B
Matches Won/Lost (sets)
Sergi Bruguera 3-0 (6-0)
Goran Ivanisevic 2-1 (4-2)
Cedric Pioline 1-2 (2-4)
Michael Stich 0-3 (0-6)
