Sam Stosur: From US Open Glory to Leading Australia's Next Generation
In this candid interview, tennis icon Sam Stosur opens up about her historic career, her perspective-shifting journey into motherhood, and her new mission as captain of the Billie Jean King Cup team.
Life After Tennis and Motherhood
Stosur discusses her retirement after a long career, noting that she has been enjoying a more flexible schedule. A significant portion of the conversation focuses on her experience as a mother and the logistical challenges of traveling on the tour with her daughter, Evie. She mentions that having a child changed her perspective on the sport, making it clear when it was time for her to step away as her priorities shifted.
Career Milestones and the 2011 US Open
The discussion highlights Stosur’s historic victory at the 2011 US Open, where she defeated Serena Williams in the final. She recalls the unique atmosphere of the match, which took place on the 10th anniversary of 9/11, and shares a lighthearted moment about her low-key celebration at a "dive bar" called Snafu in Midtown Manhattan. Stosur expresses great pride in being part of Australian tennis history alongside legends like Yvonne Goolagong Cawley and Margaret Court.
Overcoming Lime Disease
Stosur shares the details of a major health setback earlier in her career when she contracted Lime Disease, likely from a tick bite in Paris. She describes the grueling 10 to 11 months it took to recover and return to the tour. This experience taught her to be highly in tune with her body, a skill she credits with helping her maintain a long and successful career afterward.
Current State of Australian Women’s Tennis
As the captain of the Billy Jean King Cup team, Stosur provides insights into the current landscape of Australian women’s tennis. She discusses the depth of players ranked between 100 and 200 and emphasizes the importance of exposure and belief in helping them break through to the top 100.
Fun Facts and Memories
- Childhood Dream: Stosur wrote a letter to her future self at age 10 or 11 stating she wanted to win a Grand Slam, be number one in the world, and go to the Olympics.
- Celebrity Encounters: She recalls a surreal experience early in her career playing in a charity event for Elton John alongside stars like Andre Agassi and Martina Hingis.
- Ideal Doubles Partners: If she could choose anyone from any era, she mentions Roger Federer as a dream mixed doubles partner and Steffi Graf or Monica Seles for women's doubles.
- Backyard Tennis: In a humorous anecdote, she mentions that her daughter Evie once insisted on playing as Serena Williams during a backyard tennis session.
Catch the full episode on Fanatics TV.
