Samantha Stosur is Australia’s first female grand slam singles champion
in 31 years after pulling off a stunning upset over a ranting Serena
Williams in the US Open final.
Stosur produced the match of her
life against 13-times grand slam champion Williams – who resorted to a
wild outburst at the chair umpire – and won 6-2 6-3 in one hour and 13
minutes in front of 23,000 people on Arthur Ashe Stadium on Sunday.
The
result made her Australia’s first grand slam champion since Evonne
Goolagong Cawley secured her second Wimbledon title in 1980.
It was the first time the nation had claimed the women’s singles crown at the tournament since Margaret Court Smith in 1973.
“I
think I had one of my best days so I guess I’m very fortunate to have
been able to do it on this stage in New York where I’ve always loved to
play, so thanks everyone,” Stosur said.
“Ever since I really
started playing and knew what a grand slam was, this was always a dream
of mine to be here one day and I don’t really know what to say or how
how I’m feeling.”
The composure Stosur showed in capturing her
maiden grand slam revived memories of Lleyton Hewitt’s win in the final
on the very same court against Pete Sampras a decade ago.
However
the match was not without controversy with Williams berating the chair
umpire after receiving a one-point penalty for verbal hindrance.
Williams
walked out onto court following emotional September 11 tributes ahead
of Stosur, with the players hitting up in light rain.
Fortunately
for under-fire officials, it did not last long and play started on time
with a calculating Stosur taking advantage of a nervous Williams to
capture the first set in 31 minutes.
However the match looked
like turning at the end of the opening game of the second set following
the controversial decision by the chair umpire.
Williams shouted
“come on” just as Stosur went to hit a ball on the baseline and the
chair umpire penalised the American under the hindrance rule.
The
decision handed Stosur an early break of serve and it infuriated
Williams as she directed some sharp words at the chair umpire.
It
also woke up the crowd who booed the decision and a fired-up Williams
then broke Stosur’s serve for the first time in the match.
Williams called the chair umpire a “hater”.
“If
you ever see me walking down the hall, walk the other way,” she said to
chair umpire Eva Asdaraki at the next change of ends.
“You’re
unattractive on the inside … I never complain… You give me a code
violation for expressing my emotions, we’re in America!”
The
incident revived memories of Williams’ ugly outburst at a lineswoman
during her semi-final loss to Kim Clijsters at the 2009 US Open.
Williams even referenced it in her initial outburst to Asdaraki on court.
“Aren’t you the one who screwed me over last time?,” Williams bellowed.
“That is totally not cool.”
The incident seemed to rattle Stosur for a couple of games but she held tough and took a break for a 4-3 lead in the second set.
“I
felt the noise going right through my chest it was so loud I didn’t
really know what to think I just tried to stay calm and think about the
next point,” Stosur told Fox Sports.
“Obviously that fired her
up a bit and I was hoping she wasn’t going to get too angry and start
playing unbelievable … I was just happy I was able to close it out.”
The
Queenslander yelled out “Come on” as she took a 5-3 lead before taking
the match on her third championship point by ripping a forehand winner.
