Sam Stosur has been offered with the Billie Jean King Cup Dedication Award, awarded to gamers who’ve proven a long-standing dedication to representing their nation within the prestigious competitors.
Malaga, Spain, 19 November 2024 | Rhys de Deugd
As one of the vital embellished gamers within the occasion’s historical past, Sam Stosur was offered with the Billie Jean King Cup Dedication Award earlier than Australia’s quarterfinal tie in opposition to Slovakia.
Having performed in 34 ties for the green-and-gold throughout her 19-year profession, Australia’s quarterfinal battle in Malaga took Stosur to 36 whole ties as participant or captain.
The Dedication Award is offered to gamers who’ve proven a long-standing dedication to representing their nation within the prestigious Billie Jean King Cup competitors.
“Discuss an honour, yeah, it’s an actual honour,” stated Stosur, who first competed for Australia as an adolescent in a 2003 World Group Play-off tie in opposition to Colombia.
“I didn’t win all my matches by any means, however I do know I gave it my greatest shot each single time and that’s one thing that I’m very, very pleased with.”
Whereas Stosur downplayed her accomplishments, her report speaks volumes.
With 29 singles wins within the Billie Jean King Cup, she holds the excellence of profitable probably the most singles matches of any Australian within the historical past of the competitors.
“I definitely wasn’t anticipating something. However to be recognised for all these years, being on this group and taking part in the inexperienced and gold is particular,” stated Stosur, who additionally constructed an impeccable 10-1 report in Billie Jean King Cup doubles matches.
“I all the time did it with satisfaction and tried to offer each single time I obtained the chance to step out on the court docket, every thing I had.”
All through her profession, Stosur has been a job mannequin for numerous younger gamers, together with fellow Queenslanders Kimberly Birrell and Ajla Tomljanovic, who competed within the singles rubbers in opposition to Slovakia.
That quarterfinal tie was a bittersweet ending for Stosur’s debut yr as group captain. Whereas pleased with each her award and her group’s efforts, the Australian squad’s 2-0 loss to Slovakia ended their 2024 marketing campaign.
