Samantha Stosur captured the 2011 US Open singles title by defeating Serena Williams in the final, securing her place as the first Australian woman to win a Grand Slam tournament since 1980. This victory stood as the highlight of a professional career that saw her achieve a world No. 1 ranking in doubles and reach a career-high singles ranking of world No. 4.
Early Development and Education
Born in Brisbane in 1984, Stosur lived on the Gold Coast until a flood destroyed her family home when she was six, prompting a move to Adelaide. She began playing tennis at eight years old after receiving a racquet for Christmas. By age eleven, the family returned to the Gold Coast, where she attended Helensvale State High School. Her formal training progressed through the Queensland Academy of Sport at age 14 before she joined the Australian Institute of Sport tennis program in 2001.
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Stosur established herself as a elite doubles player early in her career. She first achieved the world No. 1 doubles ranking on 6 February 2006, maintaining the position for 61 consecutive weeks. Her major doubles titles include the 2005 US Open and 2006 French Open alongside Lisa Raymond, as well as the 2019 Australian Open and 2021 US Open partnered with Zhang Shuai. She also claimed three mixed-doubles Grand Slam titles at the 2005 Australian Open, 2008 Wimbledon, and 2014 Wimbledon.
Singles Career and Rankings
Throughout her career, Stosur demonstrated consistent performance in singles competition. She spent 165 weeks ranked in the top ten between March 2010 and June 2013 and served as the top-ranked Australian singles player for 452 consecutive weeks from October 2008 to June 2017. Beyond her 2011 US Open win, she reached the 2010 French Open final and appeared in three WTA 1000 finals. She retired with a combined total of 40 career titles and prize money exceeding $20 million.
Fast facts
- Born: 1984, Brisbane
- Highest Singles Ranking: No. 4
- Grand Slam Singles Titles: 1
- Grand Slam Doubles Titles: 4
- Grand Slam Mixed-Doubles Titles: 3
- Education: Helensvale State High School
- Total Career Titles: 40
- Prize Money: Over $20 million
Questions readers ask
Which Grand Slam tournament did Samantha Stosur win in singles?
She won the 2011 US Open by defeating Serena Williams.
How many weeks did Stosur hold the world No. 1 doubles ranking?
She held the top spot for 61 consecutive weeks, starting in February 2006.
Achievements
- Competed at the 2004 Summer Olympics
- Competed at the 2012 Summer Olympics
- Competed at the 2008 Summer Olympics
