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Sam Stosur has paid tribute to her family and friends after her first round women’s doubles exit with Alize Cornet at the hands of Chan Hao-Ching and Zhaoxuan Yang.
In a special courtside interview not usually afforded to the losing pair, Stosur said she was fighting back tears as she spoke to Casey Dellacqua – who herself was welling up.
“I feel like I’m about to cry now I’m looking at you cry,” Stosur said.
“It was a really hard decision. I love playing. I love competing. I love playing in front of you guys.
“A crowd like this makes it feel strange you don’t want to do it anymore, but you get to a point where the other things become a little more difficult.
“I’ve loved … my run travelling, playing, doing everything I’ve been able to do. I wanted to finish here at home, I wanted to finish in Melbourne. This year was it.
“It’s bittersweet but thank you all for coming out here. It’s been really special.”
Stosur played the match in front of her partner Liz Astling and their daughter Evie, as well as her parents.
“I will probably see them a little bit more now. They’ve made lots of sacrifices when I was younger to allow me to follow my dreams.
“I couldn’t have asked for anything more from mum and dad … they’ve been my biggest supporters. I thank them for everything they’ve been able to do.
“Also my own family now, thank you for supporting me and letting me continue this journey for as long as I have. I love you guys.”
Stosur is still on the mixed doubles draw. She and partner Matthew Ebden will take on Demi Schuurs and Nikola Mektic tomorrow.
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