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Sam Stosur keeps on keeping on at the Open

3 minute read

New tennis mum Samantha Stosur has moved to within two wins of a sixth grand slam doubles crown at Melbourne Park.

SAMANTHA STOSUR.
SAMANTHA STOSUR. Picture: Tom Dulat/Getty Images

Many figured this would be her last Australian Open but veteran tennis great Samantha Stosur keeps on keeping on in pursuit of more grand slam silverware.

Stosur teamed with fellow Australian Matt Ebden to reach the semi-finals of the Open mixed doubles on Thursday with a 6-3 6-2 rout of American Hayley Carter and Belgian Sander Gille.

The victory vaulted the former US Open singles champion to within two wins of a sixth grand slam doubles crown.

"We played great again. We've played three really good matches. We're combining really well. We're enjoying it. We're having some fun," Stosur said.

So much fun that the 36-year-old hopes to play on beyond the Open, having wrestled with retirement after her and partner Liz welcomed daughter Evie into the world during the global pandemic last July.

"It certainly makes things a whole lot more difficult," Stosur said of juggling motherhood, tennis and travelling during COVID-19.

"The plan was to travel all together this year and do that as much as what we could, kind of give and take a bit of the schedule, come home a little bit.

"So obviously now that's all out the window. It's going to be pretty hard for them to travel with me.

"For all the Australians, actually everyone that I've spoken to, none of us really know what kind of schedule we're playing yet because once you go you're kind of gone for the year.

"I'm not in a position to do that, pack my bags next week and not come home till after US Open.

"That's not for me any more."

Turning 37 next month, now the former French Open finalist is leaning towards resuming travel for the European claycourt season in April.

"Enjoy the time we have left in Australia here, have a week or two off, keep training," Stosur said.

"Wherever that makes sense to go away and start my schedule, I'll do that.

"It's really hard for every single player out there at the moment."

Wildcards Stosur and Ebden next play American Desirae Krawozyk and Brit Joe Salisbury for a place in the final at Melbourne Park.

A former world No.1 in women's doubles, Stosur won the mixed in Australia with Scott Draper in 2005.

She also won two Wimbledon mixed titles and two women's doubles slams, including the 2019 Australian Open with Zhang Shuai.

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