Australian tennis star Sam Stosur reveals birth of daughter Genevieve

She kept the news hidden for almost a month, but US Open champion Sam Stosur has finally revealed the birth of her baby daughter Genevieve.

Australian tennis star Sam Stosur has revealed she is a mother after her partner gave birth to a baby girl last month.

After keeping the news secret for almost a month, Stosur shared the announcement along with some photos to social media on Monday evening.

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“Life in lockdown during coronavirus has been challenging in many ways but personally it’s been one of the most exciting and happy times of my life,” Stosur wrote.

“On the 16th of June, my partner Liz gave birth to our beautiful little girl, Genevieve. It has been a whirlwind time but we could not imagine life without her now.

“We are absolutely in love with this little bundle and rolling with the happy chaos. We can’t wait for what’s to come and to watch little Evie grow up … Although not too quickly we hope!”

Sam Stosur with her partner and baby girl.

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Stosur was immediately flooded with messages of congratulations from within the Australian sporting community.

Tennis Australia posted on Instagram: “Congratulations Sam and Liz on the safe arrival of beautiful Evie, with love from the tennis family.”

The Australian Open’s official Instagram account also replied: “Major congrats! Welcome to the world, Genevieve.”

Sports reporter Nat Edwards posted: “Awesome news!!! Side note for those who know I’m a massive Stosur fan — our babies have the same name.”

Former Aussie tennis star Casey Dellacqua replied: “Can’t wait to meet you Evie.”

Channel 9 presenter and former World No. 19 Todd Woodbridge commented: “Such brilliant news, congrats Sam and Liz and welcome to the world Evie.”

Australian professional player Priscilla Hon and Lleyton Hewitt’s former coach Roger Rasheed also passed on their congratulations.

Wonderful news!!! https://t.co/2PzxGKJaH3

— Greg Jericho (@GrogsGamut) July 13, 2020

Congratulations @bambamsam30! 👶 🎉

— Fed Cup (@FedCup) July 13, 2020

Incredible news, Sam. Congratulations

— Clint Stanaway (@cstanaway) July 13, 2020

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Stosur joins a long list of mothers on the WTA tour, which includes American superstar Serena Williams and Belgian great Kim Clijsters.

Earlier this year, Stosur claimed she had made no plans for retirement, despite another early exit in the Australian Open.

“I want to keep playing, no doubt,” the 36-year-old said.

“I guess my ranking is going to see where that allows me to keep playing.

“If I can win matches and do the things that I think I’m still capable of, then hopefully I’m still in the main draw of grand slams and having another shot.”

Before the competition was postponed due to the coronavirus epidemic, Stosur also declared she was targeting the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo.

“If I can make it to a fifth Olympics, that would be quite incredible,” Stosur said.

“That would definitely be a highlight of the year down the track if I’m able to get myself to Tokyo.”

Sam Stosur has racked up more than $26 million in prizemoney.

Since turning professional in 1999, Stosur has won three doubles major titles and been a World No. 1 in doubles. The US Open champion reached a career-high WTA singles ranking of 4th in 2011, but has since slipped to 97th.

Stosur competed in this year’s Australian Open, but lost her first round match to American player Caty McNally in straight sets.