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Samantha Stosur has overcome a showcourt snubbing and a stubborn opponent to safely reach the second round of the Sydney International.
Stosur rebounded from a first-round exit at last week’s Brisbane International with a gritty 4-6 7-5 6-3 comeback win on Tuesday over rising German Carina Witthoeft.
Sam Stosur lost in the first round at Brisbane last week, but defeated Carina Witthoeft. Photograph: Glenn Hunt/AAP
Australia’s only grand slam singles champion in the past 15 years was shunned to court three at Sydney Olympic Park, where fans crammed in and stood six deep outside to get a look at the former US Open champion and world No4.
Stosur didn’t disappoint, digging deep late in the second set – when she stood only two points from defeat – to finally prevail after two hours and 21 minutes.
“It was a little bit strange, but it is what it is. There’s lots of matches to go on these courts. I will play anywhere,” Stosur said.
“I got a win, so I’m happy. Yeah, I’m not too big for my boots to go out to court three.”
The victory will serve as a much-needed confidence booster ahead of the Australian Open starting on Monday in Melbourne.
The 33-year-old has failed to venture beyond the fourth round of her home grand slam in 15 attempts but will arrive this time with at least one summer win under her belt.
“Don’t even know when the last time was. Whenever that was, it’s nice to do it again and repeat it this time around,” Stosur said of her lean run over the years in Sydney.
Last year, as well as 2013, the Queenslander crashed out in the first round in both Brisbane and Sydney, where she failed to win a match in six visits after losing to Alicia Molik in the 2005 final.
Stosur next faces the winner of Tuesday’s all-Australian clash between Daria Gavrilova and Olivia Rogowska for a place in the quarter-finals.
“That’s happened numerous times throughout my career. Don’t think I have ever played Liv out on tour. That will be a new one,” Stosur said.
“Dash, I have played a couple of times. Yeah, it will be good to watch those two play today.
“I have actually practised with Liv twice this week already. Dasha warmed me up this morning. We all know each other very well.
“For me to play either of them, there is not really going to be any secrets out there.
“It’s going to be a really great chance I think for all of us to try and get through.”
With Ashleigh Barty to take on Sydney wildcard Ellen Perez also in the second round, Australia is assured of two women in the final eight.
Destanee Aiava was praised by Andrea Petkovic for her serve and ‘amazing’ groundstrokes. Photograph: Julian Smith/AAP
Meanwhile, another Australian in Destanee Aiava has impressed at the Kooyong Classic.
Australian Tour veteran Andrea Petkovic said Aiava had a big future after she was pushed to three sets by the Australian teenager in their opening match.
Petkovic, a former world No9, fought her way back from a slow start to triumph 3-6 6-3 6-2.
The 30-year-old German was impressed by 17-year-old Aiava, who last month won a wildcard into her second Australian Open.
“I think she has a bright future if she continues like this,” Petkovic said.
“Her serve is amazing and her groundstrokes are really powerful, so she can do really well.”
Aiava wasn’t too bothered by the result, feeling that her Open preparation was tracking well.
“I don’t think it really matters right now, the big one is the Australian Open and my main focus is that,” Aiava said.
“I’m preparing really well for it and this is just match play.”
(AFP)
