Sam Stosur retired from tennis after her singles loss at the
Australian Open at the hands of Pavlyuchenkova and the Russian paid tribute to her.
Samantha Stosur's singles career got the sendoff it deserved on Kia Arena, both in the atmosphere and in opposition. After a 6-2, 6-2 win over the 37-year-old former US Open champion,
Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova sat in her chair, gave a small wave to the
crowd and let the Aussie have her moment.
She said:
“It’s a special moment for Sam and I want to give it to her. It was actually very emotional for me, too. I had goosebumps when everybody was clapping for Sam. She's such a wonderful human being & also an amazing tennis player, so thank you Sam."
Surrounded by family, friends and an adoring public, Stosur was honoured on the court with a ceremony and video tribute by her peers featuring Ashleigh Barty, Simona Halep, Victoria Azarenka and Ajla Tomljanovic, among others.