Search

show me:

Stosur still dreams of a Wimbledon run

3 minute read

She's only reached the last 32 three times in 15 Wimbledon appearances, but Samantha Stosur hopes a change of approach will bring a change in fortunes.

SAMANTHA STOSUR of Australia plays forehand during the WTA Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championship at the Dubai Tennis Stadium in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
SAMANTHA STOSUR of Australia plays forehand during the WTA Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championship at the Dubai Tennis Stadium in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Picture: Tom Dulat/Getty Images

It's the stat that has Samantha Stosur hoping this could finally be the year she makes her mark at Wimbledon.

Once hailed by former Davis Cup star John Alexander as a future champion at the All England Club, Stosur has only ever disappointed on the sport's biggest stage.

With just 12 wins in 15 campaigns, and having never made the second week, Stosur's sorry Wimbledon record is plain mystifying for a grand slam champion and one-time world No.4.

"For years a lot of people have always thought my game was great for this surface, but there were little things that I really found difficult to try and do," Stosur said on the eve of her first-round clash with fellow veteran Carla Suarez Navarro on Tuesday.

"My best serve was a kick serve, which isn't necessarily the serve that you always want to hit on this surface, and having a heavy topspin forehand isn't the kind of forehand that you always want to be hitting on this surface.

"I just found it hard and stressful compared to other surfaces."

Hence why Stosur has gone back to the drawing board and refined her grasscourt game.

She's flattening out her forehand, slicing more serves, and the change in approach has led to her best season on the surface in years.

Stosur's four wins on grass this season are more than the former French Open runner-up and four-times Roland Garros semi-finalist won on clay.

"I don't think that's ever happened," the 35-year-old said.

"I've played six singles matches and been really pleased, especially with the way I played in Eastbourne last week. I'm really happy with how I'm striking the ball and my level of tennis.

"I feel relaxed. I feel like I'm in a good place with the way I'm hitting and doing all those things to go into any event, let alone a grand slam.

"I'm giving myself every opportunity with my mindset and how I'm playing at the moment, which is great."

Think. Is this a bet you really want to place?

For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit www.gamblinghelponline.org.au