Stosur in Dubai
Samantha Stosur is full of confidence as she looks forward to starting her bid to become the first Australian to win the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships.
The Queenslander has made a remarkable recovery from Lyme disease which could have ended her career in 2007, and she recently rose to a career high of five in the world. Although she has previously been ranked as high as number one in doubles, with her success in singles has come the recognition of the extra pressure involved in being one of the best players in the world.
“I think over the last 12 months I’ve come to realise that the pressure there a lot more,” she said. “I guess the top players, they get used to it and handle it better, get through different scenarios. That’s why they’re the best. So it’s all a learning curve. But I think so far I’m going well. I know that I’ve definitely improved in that area,” she added.
“It is once again a pleasure to welcome Samantha Stosur back to the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships, which she will be playing for the first time as a top 10 player,” said Colm McLoughlin, Managing Director of tournament owners and organisers Dubai Duty Free. “We have watched her improve year by year, and she is certain to be a strong contender for the title even against such a remarkably strong line-up that includes eight of the top 10 players in the world.”
Stosur is determined to enjoy her achievements, rather than being consumed with concerns about the pressure of maintaining where she is and desperately wanting more.
“I think I want to make a conscious effort to enjoy it while it’s actually happening. I can’t remember who said it, but a past player, they never really enjoyed it at the moment because they found they couldn’t get the best out of themselves. Looking back, they can have all those memories. I can understand that as well because it’s hard to really embrace every situation.
“But I guess if I’m aware of it, it is something I want to enjoy while it’s happening because I love what I do and I know it’s not going to happen forever. I guess it’s a fine line between really getting to do that and not going overboard and still doing what you have to do. Hopefully I can enjoy it now and later.”
Stosur has proved that she can defeat the best, with career wins over players such as Jelena Jankovic, Vera Zvonareva, Li Na, Justine Henin and Serena Williams. Now she will face a field jam-packed with top 10 players, including number one Caroline Wozniacki, French Open champion Francesca Schiavone and 2010 runner-up Victoria Azarenka.
Tickets for both the men’s and women’s tournament, at the Dubai Tennis Stadium, are still available from the stadium’s box office.
The Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships is held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. Play begins on February 14th with the WTA Tour event and continues with the ATP tournament from February 21st that includes Australian Open and reigning Dubai champion Novak Djokovic, four-time Dubai winner Roger Federer and Australian Open finalist Andy Murray.
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