Gold Coast, 5 November 2010 | Gold Coast City Council

World No.6 Samantha Stosur will gain further honours for her best-ever year on the international tennis circuit by having a court named after her on the Gold Coast.

The Pacific Pines local is riding a wave of success as she celebrates her recent straight sets victory over world No.1, Caroline Wozniacki, at the WTA Championships in Doha.

Mayor Ron Clarke said the dedication of a court at Queens Park was a fitting honour for the highest ranked Australian female tennis player at a season’s end since Wendy Turnbull in 1984.

“Samantha’s had a great year and it is exciting to see one of our own recognised on the world stage as one of the best tennis players in the world,” he said.

“She defeated Serena Williams in the French Open quarterfinals and she is the first player this year to conquer two world No.1s.”

Mayor Clarke said Samantha had refined her skills as a junior at the Queens Park Tennis Centre.

“I think it’s fantastic that our next batch of tennis stars will now be able to play and train on ‘Sam Stosur Court’,” he said.

“One youngster to keep an eye out for at Queens Park Tennis Centre will be Kimberly Birrell who won the ‘Sam Stosur’ medal last weekend,” he said.

“Sam’s parents presented Kimberly with her medal and she will now be able to return the favour when she presents her tennis idol with a floral bouquet at tomorrow’s official ceremony.”

Mayor Clarke said all Gold Coasters should be proud of Stosur’s achievements.

“Our city has produced a large number of sporting greats and Samantha is one of our home grown heroes,” he said.