‘I couldn’t have asked for more’ – Former Grand Slam winner retires at Australian Open

Sam Stosur brought the curtain down on her singles career as she lost 6-2, 6-2 to Anastasia Pavlyuchenko at the Australian Open.

The 37-year-old Australian won the US Open singles in 2011, as well as being a multiple major-winning doubles champion.

She announced before the Australian Open that it would be her final tournament as a singles competitor, and she was visibly emotional at the end of the match.

“I’ve done more than I ever thought was possible,” she said on court.

“I dreamed of winning a Grand Slam and doing close to the things I did, so to do what I’ve done in dreams as a little kid is phenomenal.

“I couldn’t have asked for more. I’ve had many great moments here in Australia and around the world. It’s been amazing.”

Asked who she wanted to thank for her success, she added: “Obviously my partner, thanks Liz for standing by me and getting me through the hard times and the good times.

“Obviously little ‘Evie’ at home, I hope you’re awake, and I say hello to you. Everyone on the sidelines, I’ve had a great time and thanks for all being here.”

“My family, mum and dad, my brothers for giving up everything early on, driving me to tournaments on the weekend and getting dragged along to Sam’s tennis,” she said.

“I think it was all worth it, so thanks for giving everything you’ve got as well.”

Stosur reached a career high singles ranking of four in February 2011 and won nine titles.

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