‘One last time’: Aussie champion Sam Stosur announces retirement

Australia is set to be down one more champion after Sam Stosur revealed her illustrious career was coming to an end.

Sam Stosur has had one hell of a career. Photo: Getty Images

Aussie tennis champion Sam Stosur has announced her retirement from tennis, revealing she would finish her career after the 2023 Australian Open.

Stosur, who retired from singles last season, revealed on Instagram last night she would pull the pin on her doubles career.

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Set to be partnered by Frenchwoman Alize Cornet, the pair will be attempting to come from outside the seedings to add one more trophy to Stosur’s overflowing trophy cabinet.

A former doubles world No. 1, Stosur is currently ranked No. 114 — despite making the final at Wimbledon alongside Matthew Ebden last season.

Stosur has won trophies from every major, claiming both doubles (2019) and mixed doubles (2005) wins at the Australian Open, doubles at the French Open (2006), mixed doubles at Wimbledon (2008 and 2014) and doubles (2005 and 2021) and singles (2011) at the US Open.

Sam Stosur is saying goodbye. Photo by Michael Klein.

“I’m so excited to be back at Melbourne Park playing in my 21st Australian Open, but it’s with mixed feelings that I also share with you that this will be my last tournament,” Stosur wrote on Instagram.

“I feel so happy and grateful to have the opportunity to finish playing at my favourite slam – my home slam – in front of my Aussie fans, friends and family.

“Even though I’ve made the decision to retire from the sport I absolutely love, a small part of me would be happy to keep playing forever. I know I’m going to miss playing competitive tennis, all the amazing experiences and emotions that come with being on the tour, and doing what I’ve done for nearly my whole life.

“There are so many standout matches, some against legends of the sport, that make me look back and think how grateful I am for my career.

“I want to say a huge thank you to my incredible parents Dianne and Tony, my brothers Dominic and Daniel, my partner Liz and daughter Evie, and all the coaches, physios, trainers, doctors, and all my sponsors over the years.

“There are many others who have helped and supported me behind the scenes and around the world. You know who you are, I hope you know I couldn’t have done it without you, and I will thank you all in person.

“For now, I’m looking forward to getting on the court one last time in front of my amazing fans, who are the reason I go out there and play the sport I love, and enjoying this wonderful ride one last time.”

Stosur at the Newcombe Medal. Picture: David Geraghty

Sam Stosur bowed out of singles last season. Photo by Michael Klein.

Stosur spoke to reporter on Sunday after her announcement, revealing she always wanted to finish her career in Australia.

“It just felt right to call it a day here, my home Grand Slam where obviously I have huge support and friends and family, lots of people here,” she said. “It’s certainly been a tough decision, but I think it was the right one.

“I didn’t know what I could do. I dreamt what I would like to do. I certainly achieved that and more.

“One thing I’m very proud of is the fact that I know I did everything possible to do what I did. I think I’m happy with the way I’ve carried myself on court. It’s always been important to me to be how I was, compete hard.

“If you get beat, you get beat. Shake hands and try harder the next day. Every win or loss got me to where I was.

“I certainly achieved way more than what I could have ever imagined. So I can walk away being very proud.”

While this will be the end of Stosur as a player, she has admitted she wants to stay in tennis in some capacity, whether coaching or commentary.

Two legends, one photo. Picture: Josie Hayden

Stosur’s retirement announcement was inundated by friends and players paying tribute to the Aussie tennis great.

“I knew this was coming yet here I am, reading your words and crying my eyes out,” Rennae Stubbs wrote. “Sam, there isn’t a person on tour that could say a bad word about you. Your class, professionalism, dedication and love & respect for the sport, your fellow competitors and the people around you, are unmatched.

“We were friends first, then competitors, doubles partners and a collaboration all in one. I can honestly say, there was NEVER a bad day in any of it with you. I thank you for allowing me to be so close to you, Liz, Evie and your amazing career.

“There will be a huge void out there on this crazy tour without you but my god was it a good place when you were in it. Watching you go from that unsure kid with talent, to a hall of fame career was a pleasure to witness.

“You have been a role model for so many and you should be beyond proud of that & the player u became but more importantly, the person you are. I can’t wait to see what happens next because I know, you’ll be great at it. I’m beyond proud to call you my friend, love ya mate and thanks for the ride!”

Former double World No. 1 Elena Vesnina added: “Sam,I feel so lucky to play with you same era!You are a great champion and most important you are a nice person. Have fun at your last Aussie Open,enjoy this moment full!!!”

Aussie young gun Storm Sanders posted: “We’ve been so lucky to have you as an amazing role model and inspiration Sammy- you’re the best.”