Samantha Stosur

Samantha Stosur started playing tennis aged eight when a friend gave her a racquet for Christmas. She practised with her brother, Daniel, who upon realising she had talent, convinced their parents, Dianne and Tony, to pay for coaching.

Sam went on her first tour aged 13, competing in the World Youth Cup in Jakarta, Indonesia, and joined the Australian Institute of Sport at 16.

An accomplished doubles player, she reached the No.1 ranking in doubles in February 2006 having claimed a series of titles with Lisa Raymond.

In July 2007, Sam contracted Lyme disease and, having spent 61-consecutive weeks ranked as the No.1 doubles player in the world, was forced to end her season prematurely.

She rejoined the WTA Tour in June 2008. She claimed her maiden WTA title in Osaka in 2009. At the 2010 French Open she became the first player since 2000 to beat Justine Henin and Serena Williams in the same Grand Slam event, as well as ending Henins’s 27-match winning streak in Paris.

Sam also continued her impressive Fed Cup record as she steered Australia back into the World Group. Prior to each match, Sam writes “Attitude and Composure” on her wrist – a personal mantra.

In September 2011, Sam won her first major title at the US Open, beating Serena Williams 6-2 6-3 in the final.

Her sporting hero is surfer, Layne Beachley and when she’s not playing tennis, Sam enjoys spending time at the beach and relaxing. Her favourite sports team is the Gold Coast Titans.