Photograph: Paul Crock - AP
Australian tennis icon Sam Stosur’s farewell tour has come to an abrupt end in the second round of the Australian Open.
The future Hall of Famer was no match for Russian tenth seed Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova, losing 2-6, 2-6 in an hour and nine minutes on Kia Arena.
Despite playing some brilliant points, the Aussie was outmatched from the get-go by the Russian. However, despite the win, Pavlyuchenkova knew the moment was all about Stosur and let the Aussie take centre stage one last time.
Stosur received a standing ovation from an adoring crowd before making a tear-laden speech; reflecting on the amazing career that was.
Following her speech, a tribute video played on the big screen and featured kind words from Aussie and international players as well as highlights from her career. Stosur was then joined on court by friends and family, posing for photos before taking a lap of honour around the stadium. It must be noted that Pavlyuchenkova stayed for the duration of the fanfare.
It’s the end of the road in singles for the 2011 US Open champion but she still has business to take care of in the doubles.
It’s been a pleasure, Sam, thank you.