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

Samantha Stosur’s successful tennis career came to an emotional end after a first-round loss in the Australian Open mixed doubles match to Matthew Ebden.

The departing Greatness and Ebden lost in a match tiebreak 4-6, 6-3, 10-6 to fifth-seeded Dutch-Croatian duo Demi Schuurs and Nikola Mektic on Saturday in front of a sell-out crowd in front of three spectators .

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

Samantha Stosur fought back tears after retiring from professional tennis

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

“I dreamed as a little kid and all these years later to be able to finish here in front of friends and family and the Australian fans who have always supported me.

“The thing that actually upsets me the most is not being able to go to all these tournaments and see all the people I love.

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

This defeat follows her loss in women’s doubles with France’s Alize Cornet.

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

The 2011 US Open singles champion also clinched Grand Slam doubles titles at the 2006 French Open and Flushing Meadows in 2005 and 2021, spending 61 weeks at the top of the doubles rankings during her career.