Australian Open: Samantha Stosur leaves the court in TEARS after retiring from tennis

Samantha Stosur’s decorated tennis career has come to an emotional end following a mixed doubles first round loss at the Australian Open to Matthew Ebden.

The retiring great and Ebden lost 4-6, 6-3, 10-6 in a tiebreaker to the Croatian-Dutch pairing of Demi Schuurs and fifth-seeded Nikola Mektic in front of a packed court of three spectators. Saturday.

A tearful Stosur received a standing ovation from fans, including her family, and was recognized by her rivals after a 21st and final campaign at Melbourne Park.

“It’s really hard to put into words. I just can’t believe the journey I’ve been able to take,” Stosur said.

“Dreaming as a little boy and being able to end up here all these years later in front of friends and family and the Australian fans who have always supported me.

“That’s what really bothers me the most, not being able to go to all these tournaments and see all the people I love.

“I’ve been lucky to have the success that I’ve had and that’s what we do it for and I’ve been very blessed to have the career that I’ve had and do it in a way that I’ve enjoyed it.” with the people around me.

This loss follows her exit from the women’s doubles with France’s Alize Cornet.

Stosur won the women’s doubles at the Australian Open in 2019 with Zhang Shaui, as well as the mixed title at Melbourne Park in 2005 with compatriot Scott Draper.

The 2011 US Open singles champion also held Grand Slam women’s doubles titles at the 2006 French Open and at Flushing Meadows in 2005 and 2021 and spent 61 weeks at the top of the doubles rankings during her career.