Samantha Stosur has the opportunity to break a thirty year drought when she takes on 17th seed Francesca Schiavone in the French Open final tonight.
Australia has been deprived of Women’s singles grand slam success, with Evonne Goolagong Cawley winning the last grand slam at Wimbledon in 1980 against American Chris Evert.
“If I can win here, then I think it would be fantastic for me and fantastic for Australian tennis as a whole and it would give a huge boost to women’s tennis,” Stosur said, following her match against Jelena Jankovic.
Stosur’s mental toughness has been a notable change in her French Open campaign. She has been able to compose herself, even against world number one, Serena Williams to find herself vying for 2010 French Open title.
“I think I just tried once I was ready to go on court to calm down, take a few deep breaths and not feel rushed or panicked,” said Stosur.
Stosur faced Serena Williams, who was on the brink of winning, serving for the match.
Williams produced two consecutive unforced errors to allow Stosur back in the match. There was no going back as Stosur took advantage of the opportunity running out eventual winner over a frustrated Williams.
After losing the first set in the semi–final, Jelena Jankovic broke Stosur to take a 2-0 lead at the beginning of the second set. Jankovic looked dangerous and pushed Stosur wide on a number of occasions as she struggled to hit a winner.
Jankovic looked like she was going to runaway with the second set, but once again Stosur settled, refocused and was able to break back winning the final set 6-2.
Stosur has instilled the belief that she can achieve the ultimate and defeat Italian Francesca Schiavone.
“I’ve beaten all those, so why can’t I win one more?”, Stosur said.
Sam Stosur has shown she can match it with the best, and if the 26 year-old can find her composure early on in the final, she will put an end to Australia’s lack of grand slam success, taking home the French Open final.
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