Australian Open: Sam Stosur claims first round win at Sydney International
Updated
Samantha Stosur has overcome a showcourt snubbing and a stubborn opponent to safely reach the second round of the Sydney International.
Stosur rebounded from a first-round exit at last week's Brisbane International with a gritty 4-6, 7-5, 6-3 comeback win over German rising star Carina Witthoeft.
Australia's only grand slam singles champion in the past 15 years was relegated to court three at Sydney Olympic Park, where there wasn't even a TV camera to catch the action.
Fans packed inside the court and stood six deep outside to get a look at the former US Open champion and world number one.
Stosur didn't disappoint, digging deep late in the second set — when she stood only two points from defeat — to finally prevail after two hours and 21 minutes.
"It was a little bit strange, but it is what it is. There's lots of matches to go on these courts. I will play anywhere," Stosur said.
"I got a win, so I'm happy. Yeah, I'm not too big for my boots to go out to court three."
The victory will serve as a much-needed confidence booster ahead of the Australian Open starting in Melbourne on Monday.
The 33-year-old has failed to venture beyond the fourth round of her home grand slam in 15 attempts but will arrive this time with at least one summer win under her belt.
Last year, as well as 2013, Stosur crashed out in the first round in both Brisbane and Sydney.
Stosur next faces the winner of Tuesday's all-Australian clash between Daria Gavrilova and Olivia Rogowska for a place in the quarter-finals.
AAP
Topics: tennis, sport, sydney-2000, nsw, australia
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