Thomas Muster's ATP Tour comeback came to an end when he was knocked out in the opening round of the Erste Bank Open.
German Haas sees off fifth-seed Chela in three-set thriller
Veteran Thomas Muster's comeback to the ATP Tour came to an end when he was knocked out in the opening round of the Erste Bank Open.
The 44-year-old, who had already confirmed that the Vienna tournament would be his last, was beaten 6-2 6-3 by fellow Austrian Dominic Thiem.
Muster did at one stage lead 3-1 in the second set after breaking his opponent's serve - only to then lose the next five games in a row.
The former world number one, who won the French Open back in 1995, has managed just two victories - both on the challenger cicruit - in 26 matches since returning to competitive tennis in 2010.
"I never had a chance to say goodbye," said Muster after throwing his racquet and towels into the crowd. "This is such a great goodbye. This is definitely my last appearance on the ATP."
Haas through
Meanwhile, Tommy Haas caused an upset in the early stages of the event, the German rallying from a set down to see off fifth seed Juan Ignacio Chela of Argentina 6-7 (3-7) 6-3 7-6 (7-5).
The 2001 champion had failed to serve out for the match when 5-3 ahead in the third and deciding set. However, he eventually sealed victory at the fourth time of asking, during a tense tie-breaker.
Haas will next face Aljaz Bedene, the Slovenian having progressed after Croatian Ivo Karlovic 7-6 pulled out with a back injury at the end of the first set.
Fabio Fognini of Italy also advanced after Tommy Robredo of Spain retired with a left leg injury while trailing 2-1 in the deciding set.
Guillermo Garcia-Lopez of Spain came through 6-2 5-7 6-4 against American James Blake to book a second-round showdown against reigning champion Jurgen Melzer.
Philipp Petzschner - winner in 2008 - eased past Spain's Pablo Andujar 6-2 6-2, while Xavier Melisse of Belgium downed another Spaniard comfortably enough, beating Albert Ramos 6-1 6-4.
German Daniel Brands also progressed, putting paid to Martin Fischer's hopes of recording a first win on the ATP Tour with a 6-7 (3-7) 6-2, 7-6 (8-6) triumph over the Austrian.
