Stosur Looks To Recapture US Open Magic

© Getty ImagesSam Stosur says there is room for improvement in her game.

World No. 5 and Aussie Samantha Stosur isn’t so sure that she played her absolute best tennis during her run to last year’s US Open title. 

“I played very well throughout the US Open,” Stosur said.  Not just the final, but the whole two weeks.  But I had a really good lead up to that.  I played well in Toronto.  It’s hard to say whether that’s the best tennis that I’ve absolutely ever played.   But yeah, I’d like to get back to that point for sure and I don’t think I’m too far off.”
In 2012, Stosur has had mixed results.

She has a modest 9-6 record, but is coming off a strong bounce back effort in Doha by reaching the final before losing to No. 1 Victoria Azarenka in mid-February. 

In her quest to rekindle her championship mystique, Stosur sounded humble yet confident when addressing her chances of winning this event during Tuesday’s media session.

“The [hard] surface is good,” said Stosur, who has three WTA Tour titles and 374 victories. “I enjoy playing here.  Sometimes, it gets a little bit windy and maybe with the way that I play, I’ve got a little bit more margin than the other girls.  But it’s a tough event.  Everybody is here and everybody is trying to do that same thing.  I’ll give it my best shot.” 

Potential roadblocks on her path include a possible fourth round meeting with No. 10 seeded American Serena Williams or a quarterfinal with No. 4 Dane Caroline Wozniacki.  Stosur, who turns 28 years old on March 30, could face No. 2 Maria Sharapova in the semifinals the day after her birthday.

Feeling healthy after two days of practice in Tampa before coming to Miami on Sunday, Stosur said she has been “really pleased” with the way she has played of late. 

And, until she’s No. 1, she’s always striving to reach that goal. 

“Victoria [Azarenka] has probably had the best year by far than anyone else so far,” Stosur admitted.  “For sure, there’s a group behind her that is trying to get up there and hopefully win some of these titles as well.  It’s still exciting times to be playing. Everyone is trying to get as high a ranking as possible.”