Australian Open 2023: Sam Stosur makes retirement announcement
Former World No. 4 Sam Stosur dropped her retirement on the eve of the Australian Open - and now she explains why the time is right for her to end a decorated 23-year career.
Retiring Australian great Sam Stosur has opened up on her decision to walk away from tennis, saying it was ‘very, very hard’ despite the announcement sneaking up on her.
Stosur, who turns 39 in March, is firmly on her farewell tour and will say goodbye to her home grand slam when she plays mixed and women’s doubles at this year’s Australian Open.
With a US Open singles title under her belt, with victory over the GOAT Serena Williams, to go with six grand slam doubles titles, Stosur is undeniably one of Australia’s finest modern-day heroes.
“It’s been very, very hard. I think when you do something for this long and something for this long and something you absolutely love, it is hard to step away no matter,” Stosur told Channel 9.
“But I do feel like the time is right. I’ve been doing this for a long time.”
Spending time with friends and family, and especially young daughter Evie, was the primary motivation to pull the pin on a decorated 23-year career.
“There’s a few aches and pains. There’s a few days that you are like ‘do I want to pack my bags again and get on another plane’ and all of that,” Stosur continued.
“I still love going to tennis. I still love practising. I’m sure I’ll be back down at the NTC in a month’s time having a hit with one of the girls. It feels right. It’s been a great journey. I couldn’t have asked for anything more.
“I’m looking forward to spending more time with my friends and being able to see my family more. All the things that you can’t do when you’re on the road.”
AUSSIE TENNIS STAR’S RETIREMENT REVEAL ON EVE OF OPEN
Australia is set to lose one of its tennis icons with veteran Sam Stosur announcing on Saturday night that her 21st Australian Open would be her last tennis tournament.
The long-time Melbourne Park drawcard and 2011 US Open champion will compete in the mixed doubles with Matthew Ebden and the women’s doubles with Alize Cornet before calling time on her lengthy career.
Stosur and Ebden reached the Wimbledon final together last year.
“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,” the 38-year-old wrote on Instagram post.
“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.
“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.”
As well as the US Open singles crown 12 years ago, Stosur has also won the 2019 Australian Open women’s doubles, 2006 French Open women’s doubles, the 2005 and 2021 US Open women’s doubles, the 2005 Australian Open mixed doubles and the 2008 and 2014 Wimbledon mixed doubles.
In 2006 the Queenslander was ranked world No.1 in doubles while she also shot to No.4 in the singles world in 2011.
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