Australian and current world number 5 Sam Stosur has been riding high since winning last year’s U.S. Open, and she has cruised through her first match here at the Sony Ericsson Open. With her game still soundly developing and her mental strength peaking, Sam is on course to potentially be a multiple-slam champion. Only time will tell, but in the meantime, enjoy the Q&A I did with her in Miami. We talk about her most memorable moment, Steffi Graf and flying.
One of the more easy-going WTA players, she came across friendly and eager to participate.
What is your most memorable moment on court?
Definitely the U.S. Open last year — the final, the whole last two weeks was fantastic. And I remember every match but, of course, the final was the standout one.
Looking back on it with what happened with Serena Williams, does it overshadow your victory or anything?
Not in my eyes, no! (Laughs) I don’t even think about that point in time. Obviously, it was a big point in the match and that could have really turned it, but that’s not something I look at and it doesn’t make anything with it sour.
What player do you least like to face on court and why?
I don’t know. There’s a few players I have never beaten before, I guess. So probably those. There are lots of players you like playing against and you like the way they play and the way the ball comes off. And then there’s others that you definitely don’t [like to face on court].
Any particular players?
I won’t name names but you can see who I’ve never beaten before and put them in. (Laughs)
*Editor’s Note: On a quick search, Sam is 0-6 against Victoria Azarenka, 0-5 against Kim Clijsters and 0-4 against Flavia Pennetta.
If you could play against any player in history, who would it be and why?
Probably Steffi Graf. She was my idol growing up and I loved the way she played, loved her forehand, her demeanor court, everything. She’s got to be one of the greatest players that’s ever played, so I would like to play her.
Have you ever had a chance to hit with her?
No. I met her once though so that was pretty cool. I was probably more nervous meeting her than playing most of my matches. (Laughs)
If you were hosting a party, what three tennis players would you invite?
There are some fun ones on tour … [Francesca] Schiavone, Na Li, Alicia Molik – she’s retired now, but you can put her in. (Laughs)
What are two things you can’t live without?
Lip balm and maybe a computer.
Are you online a lot, staying in touch with family/friends that way?
It fills in time, doesn’t it? (Laughs)
Do you watch movies on your laptop?
Yup.
What’s the most recent good one that you have seen?
Good one that I’ve seen? I haven’t watched too many good ones recently. (Laughs) The last one I downloaded was “The Help” but I haven’t watched that one yet.
It’s good, I enjoyed it – made me cry.
(Laughs) I will probably cry too then.
Last question, what is one thing that scares you?
Flying.
Flying, really?!
Yea, I don’t like flying. (Laughs)
You’re a tennis player and you have to travel so much?
I know, it’s a really bad combination!
(Photo courtesy of Neal Trousdale. You can view his full Flickr gallery here.)
