Gold Coast tennis pro Sam Stosur to start 2020 at Brisbane
Gold Coast tennis pro Sam Stosur’s desire to play at the top level of the sport remains undimmed as she enters a remarkable 22nd year on the women’s international tour
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GOLD Coast tennis pro Sam Stosur’s desire to play at the top level of the sport remains undimmed as she enters a remarkable 22nd year on the women’s international tour.
The 35-year-old who turned professional way back in 1999 aged just 14 said in an exclusive interview with the Bulletin ahead of her 2020 season start that she wants to play for years yet.
Stosur has amassed $27 million in prizemoney during a glittering career that includes the US Open singles title and three Grand Slam doubles crowns. She remains hungry for more.
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“I don’t see myself stopping,” she said.
“I know (retirement) is out there on the horizon but I want to keep playing for as long as I can. I haven’t set a date or anything like that.
“I want to play next year, maybe even the year after and who knows, maybe even doubles only for a little while.
“There are a few options out there for me and I don’t think you necessarily need to set a timeframe or date when you don’t see it being kind of imminent.” Stosur finished 2019 ranked 99 in singles but up at 12 in doubles after a stellar season that started with winning the Australian Open doubles with China’s Zhang Shuai.
She said she still enjoyed everything about being a professional tennis player, did not mind the travel and craved the big matches against top players on the biggest stages.
“I do think on my day I’m still capable of beating anyone out there and they are the people I most enjoy playing – higher ranked players on a big court and you can just enjoy those moments.
“There is a lot more to it than just being on court, hitting tennis balls and playing matches.
“I still have the ability and desire to want to do all those things.
“Once you stop you stop, and at my age I don’t think there is going to be any coming back. I think while I have the opportunity I should keep going.”
She begins 2020 at the Brisbane International – which starts on January 6 – thanks to a wildcard entry.
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