Australian tennis great Sam Stosur has officially retired from the sport following a loss in the first round of the mixed doubles at the Australian Open.
The 38-year-old was hoping for a fairytale finish to her career, teaming up with Matt Ebden – a coupling that reached the Wimbledon final last year – at Melbourne Park.
But after taking the opening set, the Aussies were brought to a match tiebreak by fifth seeds Demi Schuurs and Nikola Mektic, where the Dutch and Croatian pairing prevailed for a 4-6 6-3 [10-6] win.
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Following Stosur’s loss in the women’s doubles with Alize Cornet earlier in the week, it marks the end to her competitive tennis career which began in 1999.
This year’s Australian Open was her 21st.
“It’s hard to think that it’s over now, but just … thank you,” Stosur said.
She was in tears as she thanked the Court 3 crowd for their support, with Australian Open boss Craig Tiley handing her a bouquet of flowers.
The Queenslander retires an eight-time grand slam champion having won at every slam, across singles (2011 US Open), doubles (2019 Australian Open, 2006 French Open, 2005 and 2021 US Opens) and mixed doubles (2005 Australian Open, 2008 and 2014 Wimbledons)
The singles triumph remains her greatest moment as she defeated the legendary Serena Williams in straight sets.
Stosur also made the final of the 2010 French Open, falling to Francesca Schiavone.
