MY ACCOUNT
Samantha Stosur reflected on achieving “more than I ever thought was possible” after her singles career came to an end with a defeat to Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova.
Stosur, 37, confirmed that this year’s Australian Open would be her final appearance in a singles draw.
The one-time grand slam champion will call time on her career altogether at the end of the year, but will remain on the doubles circuit until then.
Though she has tasted more success in the doubles, winning two Tour Finals and seven grand slams, including last year’s US Open, Stosur has more than held her own as a single.
Indeed, she reached a career-high world number four ranking and clinched her sole singles grand slam success at Flushing Meadows in 2011, having previously reached the final of the French Open.
The Australian made her singles debut in the main draw at Melbourne Park 2002, having failed to progress through the qualifying rounds in the previous two years.
In fitting fashion, her second-round match against Pavlyuchenkova on Thursday proved her last.
“I have done more than I ever thought was possible,” she said in an on-court interview after the 6-2 6-2 defeat.
“I dreamed of winning a grand slam and doing close to the things I did. To do what I have done dreaming as a little kid is phenomenal.
“I couldn’t have asked for more. I’ve had many great moments here in Australia and around the world. Yeah, it’s been amazing.
“Thank you to everyone who has been along with me the 20 years. The coaches, they know who they are, they have all helped me in some way on and off the court, shaped me into the person I am.
“The family – they are all down there now – mum and dad, my brothers for giving up everything early on driving me to tournaments on the weekend, getting dragged along for Sam’s tennis. But I think it was all worth it, so thanks for giving everything you’ve got as well.”
Stosur was playing in her 797th career singles match, though she was never any match for 10th seed Pavlyuchenkova, who felt the emotion of the occasion.
“It was actually very emotional for me,” said the Russian.
“I had goosebumps when everybody was clapping for Sam. She is such a wonderful human being and also an amazing tennis player, so thank you, Sam.”
