Sam Stosur has fought back tears in an emotional farewell to her adoring fans after bowing out of the Australian Open following a second-round loss.
Just days after a stirring comeback win in the first round, the retiring great was no match for Russian 10th seed Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova, who ran out a 6-2 6-2 winner.
After the final singles match of her career, Stosur touched on her remarkable ride which began in 1999 when she turned pro at the tender age of 15.
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“I’ve done more than I ever thought was possible,” she said.
“I dreamed of winning a Grand Slam and doing close to the things I did, so to do what I’ve done in dreams 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. It’s been amazing.”
When asked who she wanted to thank, Stosur corrected what had admittedly been one of her biggest regrets, paying tribute to her partner Liz, something she’d failed to do when she accepted the Spirit of Tennis award at Tennis Australia’s 2019 Newcombe Medal presentation night.
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“Obviously my partner, thanks Liz for standing by me and getting me through the hard times and the good times,” she said.
“Obviously little ‘Evie’ at home, I hope you’re awake, and I say hello to you. Everyone on the sidelines, I’ve had a great time and thanks for all being here.”
Stosur also paid tribute to the sacrifices made by both her parents and her brothers during her formative years.
“My family, mum and dad, my brothers for giving up everything early on, driving me to tournaments on the weekend and getting dragged along to Sam’s tennis,” she said.
“I think it was all worth it, so thanks for giving everything you’ve got as well.”
The 37-year-old also received a heartfelt tribute from Australian Open tournament director, Craig Tiley.
“You’ve made a difference to Australian tennis, and for that we greatly appreciate everything you’ve done,” he said.
“Thanks for everything. Thanks for being Sam Stosur and thank you for the difference you’ve made to our great game. Well done.”
Stosur retires from the singles format having won nine career singles titles, the most famous of those being the 2011 US Open title where she beat Serena Williams in the final.
While her singles campaign is done, Stosur is still in action in the women’s doubles, where she is partnered with China’s Zhang Shuai. She is also in the mixed doubles draw and is partnered with fellow Australian Matthew Ebden.