Muster bows out in emotional climax

Austrian tennis legend Thomas Muster wrapped up his tennis career at the age of 44 on Tuesday, losing in straight sets to teenage compatriot Dominic Thiem in an emotional exit at the Austrian Open.

The 1995 Roland Garros champion and former No 1 who ruled the clay surface in the 1990s and was known for his ironman training regime, was unable to work a miracle at the Stadthalle against Thiem as he went down, 6-2, 6-3.

Muster bade farewell by throwing his racquet and towels into an appreciative crowd of home fans, who had entered and would exit to a standing ovation. The one-time toughest man in tennis at times looked overcome with the scene.