Sam Stosur to fully retire after emotional Australian Open

Longtime professional player Sam Stosur will retire fully after an emotional Australian Open as the 38-year-old looks to begin a chapter without tennis.

Stosur retired from singles tennis at last year's Australian Open but continued to play doubles tennis. She initially planned to retire from both singles and doubles at the event but returned to playing doubles tennis sometime after. She was part of the Australia Billie Jean King Cup recently and will finish her career at the Australian Open.

She announced it on social media writing:

"I'm so excited to be back at Melbourne Park playing in my 21st Australian Open, but it's with mixed feelings that I also share with you that this will be my last tournament. I feel so happy and grateful to have the opportunity to finish playing at my favourite slam – my home slam – in front of my Aussie fans, friends and family."

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Stosur added:

"Even though I've made the decision to retire from the sport I absolutely love, a small part of me would be happy to keep playing forever. I know I'm going to miss playing competitive tennis, all the amazing experiences and emotions that come with being on the tour, and doing what I've done for nearly my whole life. There are so many stand-out matches, some against legends of the sport, that make me look back and think how grateful I am for my career."