Tears flow as the ‘amazing’ Stosur announces she will retire after the Australian Open

Sam Stosur’s revelation that the Australian Open will be her departure from tennis has quickly caused a flood of tears and tributes within the sport.

Her home Grand Slam will mark an emotional farewell to one of the domestic game’s most beloved greats after she declared her 21st year at the Australian Open in the two doubles events will be her last before retiring.

The 38-year-old, a 2011 US Open singles winner, announced on Saturday with “mixed feelings” that she is “looking forward to stepping out onto the pitch one last time in front of my amazing fans who are the reason I.” get out there and do the sport I love and enjoy this wonderful ride one last time.”

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Stosur ended her singles career at the Australian Open last year to spend more time at home with her partner Liz and their daughter Evie.

She spent 2022 making sporadic appearances on the doubles tour – apart from an unexpected singles wildcard in May – reaching the Wimbledon mixed doubles final alongside Matt Ebden.

Stosur’s latest news prompted lavish tributes, particularly from the Australian players she has worked with, guided and inspired over the years, spearheaded by the kind words of her friend, former coach and doubles partner, Rennae Stubbs.

“I knew this was coming but here I am reading your words and crying my eyes out!” Stubbs wrote in response to Stosur’s Instagram reveal.

“Sam, there’s nobody on tour who could say a bad word about you.

“Your class, professionalism, dedication and love and respect for the sport, your competitors and the people around you are second to none.

“There’s going to be a huge void out there on this crazy tour without you, but my god was it a good place to be when you were there.

“It’s been a joy to see you rise from that insecure kid with talent to a career in the Hall of Fame.

“You have been a role model to so many and you should be beyond proud of that and the player you have become but more importantly the person you are.”

BJK Cup star Storm Hunter told her: “We were so lucky to have you as a fantastic role model and inspiration Sammy,” while Australian Open officials tweeted: “Thanks for saving the last dance with us, Sam.”

Stosur will compete with Ebden in mixed doubles, an event where they reached the final two years ago, and is still hoping to win an eighth Grand Slam women’s doubles crown alongside the ever-dramatic Alize Cornet.

“I’m so happy and grateful to have the opportunity to finish my favorite slam – my home slam – in front of my Aussie fans, friends and family,” Stosur posted.

“Even though I made the decision to retire from the sport I absolutely love, a small part of me would be happy to continue playing forever.

“I know I will miss competitive tennis, all the amazing experiences and emotions that come with being on the Tour and doing what I’ve been doing most of my life.

“There are so many outstanding games, some against legends of the sport, that make me look back and think how grateful I am for my career.

“I would like to say a big thank you to my incredible parents Dianne and Tony, my brothers Dominic and Daniel, my partner Liz and daughter Evie, and all the coaches, physical therapists, coaches, 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 made it without you and I will personally thank you all.”

– with 7NEWS