'Not done yet': Tennis world erupts over epic Sam Stosur moment
Sam Stosur has ended a six-year streak of exiting the Australian Open in the first round, advancing to the second round on Tuesday in her final singles campaign at Melbourne Park.
Stosur announced before the grand slam in December that she will be playing singles for the final time at the Australian Open.
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She has left the door open to continue in doubles, however her singles career will come to an end in Melbourne.
However the final bow did not come on Tuesday, with Stosur producing a brilliant comeback to beat America's Robin Anderson 6-7 (5), 6-3, 6-3.
"Sam Stosur still not ready to say goodbye to Melbourne Park," Sam Smith said in commentary for Channel Nine.
"So many great memories here and this will be right up there with them."
Tony Jones added: “Amazing scenes at Kia Arena there with Samantha Stosur, coming back from the death.
“Two comebacks alone in the death - in the first set before a tie-break and then going on to achieve what earlier in this match seemed highly unlikely.
"But Samantha Stosur, at 37 years of age, showing amazing willpower to power her way into the second round and keep this career going.”
Speaking after the match, Stosur said: “Man, that was incredible.
“That’s a match I’m going to remember forever. And to do it at home today, I guess it wasn’t to be the last so happy to have another one.”
Fans and commentators were also delighted to see Stosur live to fight another day at age 37.
Farewell? Not today! Lovely moment as Sam Stosur wins her first round match and takes the acclaim of Kia Arena, in her final AO. pic.twitter.com/22mgWgDqlQ
— Stuart Randall (@StuartRandall) January 18, 2022
Samantha Jane Stosur plays on.#AusOpen pic.twitter.com/P5FTGX2ZH2
— Ben Rothenberg (@BenRothenberg) January 18, 2022
Bam bam Sam!!!
Stosur’s singles career is not over yet. Defeats Robin Anderson 6-7(5), 6-3, 6-3 in Kia Arena.
Gets Pavlyuchenkova/Bondar next.— Reem Abulleil (@ReemAbulleil) January 18, 2022
Sam Stosur taking it all in - as she should! Fantastic result! #AusOpen
— Matt Walsh (@MattWalshMedia) January 18, 2022
🇦🇺AUSSIE ALERT 🚨
Sam Stosur through to the 2nd Round with a 6-7- 6-3 6-3 win over Robin Anderson.
The farewell tour will continue.#AusOpen— Shane McInnes (@shanemcinnes) January 18, 2022
🇦🇺Sam Stosur won the 2011 US Open over 10 years ago, her lone singles Grand Slam.
Now at 37 years old, the Aussie is into the second round of her home tournament as a wild card, defeating Robin Anderson in three sets 6-7 (5), 6-3, 6-3.
What a story. #AusOpen #getty pic.twitter.com/1aMKIGjYwb— Lukas Weese (@Weesesports) January 18, 2022
Sam Stosur's singles career continues!
She is into R2 at the #AusOpen, will face Pavlyuchenkova or Bondar next. pic.twitter.com/qE8zUiYQaF— José Morgado (@josemorgado) January 18, 2022
SAMANTHA STOSUR I AM SO PROUD OF YOU 😭❤️ NOT DONE YET, INTO R2
— HalepOUT (@HalepGetOUT) January 18, 2022
Sam Stosur fights on in final Australian Open campaign
The veteran star appeared to be fighting back tears as she thanked the crowd on Kia Arena for their support.
"This tournament probably more so than ever is about going out there and enjoying it," Stosur said before the match.
"Obviously you want to win. If you play tennis or any sport, you're competitive. I couldn't have done this for this long if I wasn't competitive.
"Absolutely you want to go out there and do your best, come away with the win if possible.
"But first and foremost, I want to go out there, enjoy myself, play well, be free, swing. If I want to hit, go for that winner down the line, I'm going to do it.
"It's about playing and enjoying that moment and soaking it all up."
Before Tuesday's win, Stosur had crashed out of her home grand slam in the first round every year since 2016.
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