Aussie tennis legend Sam Stosur has revealed that she will hang up the racquet for the final time at the close of this month’s Australian Open.
Stosur, 38, retired from the singles in 2022 and will compete in the women’s doubles competition alongside French partner Alize Cornet and fellow local Matt Ebden in the mixed doubles one last time at Melbourne Park before parting ways with the game for good.
The eight-time Grand Slam winner shared her news on Saturday night via Instagram, saying she is grateful to end her career at her “home slam”.
“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.
“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 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 had a decorated career on the court, reaching as high as world No.4 in singles and No.1 in doubles, with her most impressive Grand Slam win seeing her defeat Serena Williams 6-2 6-3 to claim the 2011 US Open title.
The right-hander was also extremely successful on clay, reaching the Roland Garros final in 2010 alongside three other singles finals.
Stosur will hope to have a storybook ending to her career with a third Australian Open title, with two opportunities in the women’s and mixed doubles competitions.
