Sam Stosur dominates US Open final

Sam Stosur (r) played strongly in the US Open final against crowd favourite Serena Williams [Reuters]

Sam Stosur has become the first Australian woman to win the US Open in 38 years, when she upset American Serena Williams 6-2 and 6-3 on Sunday in an ill-tempered final.

Stosur defeated the most formidable player of her generation and capture her first grand slam title on Sunday, spoiling hopes of a home-bred champion on the 10th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, attacks.

“I had one of my best days and I’m very fortunate that I had it on this stage in New York,” Stosur said at an on-court interview.

“Ever since I started playing it was a dream of mine to be here one day. I don’t really know what to say. Serena, you are a fantastic player, great champion and have done wonders for our sport.”

Julia Gillard, Australia’s prime minister on Monday called Sam Stosur’s US Open victory outstanding and said it would encourage the next generation to pick up a tennis racket.

“Her 6-2, 6-3 win over Serena Williams topped off an outstanding tournament,” said Gillard.

“She displayed great skill and poise to overcome obvious nerves to beat the crowd favourite.

Williams, aiming for a fourth US Open crown, failed to reproduce past wins after sailing to the final without dropping a single set.

‘Out of control’

Throughout the second set she repeatedly argued with the chair umpire in a display reminiscent of her ungracious exit from the 2009 US Open.

“If you ever see me walking down the hall, look the other way because you’re out of control,” Williams said.
While Williams berated the official, Stosur kept her composure.

The 27-year-old dominated the match from the outset and played in front of a loud Arthur Ashe Stadium crowd.

Stosur, one of the fittest and biggest-hitting players in the women’s game, put Williams under pressure from the start with strong returns that pinned Williams behind the baseline and forced her to use a backhand.

Stosur broke Williams’s serve twice in the first set, which she wrapped up in 31 minutes, then three times in the second while losing her own serve once.

“She played really well, she’s a great player,” Williams said. “I tried my hardest but she kept hitting winners and there was nothing I could do.”

Williams went into the match as the overwhelming favourite despite having not played at Flushing Meadows since her 2009 angry tirade that earned her a hefty fine and a two-year probation.

She was docked a point after screaming “come on” just as Stosur was about to try and return a shot and then was given a code violation in the next game for screaming at the umpire.

“It wouldn’t have made a difference,” Williams said about the point she lost.

“Six month ago in the hospital I couldn’t even stand up, but thanks to my parents and sisters and everyone else I’m here. I’m emotional, I might start crying. I’m happy to be here, it’s really good.”

Stosur, seeded ninth, became the first Australian woman to win the US Open title since Margaret Court in 1973. The last Australian woman to win any grand slam was Evonne Goolagong-Cawley at Wimbledon in 1980.

Stosur, who was better known as a doubles player, emerged as Australia’s best prospect in years when she made the final at the French Open last year but lost to Italy’s Francesca Schiavone.