Aussie tennis gun Sam Stosur has been turfed out of Australian Open contention after a super rough first round loss to Brit Heather Watson.
The 32-year-old’s 6-3, 3-6, 6-0 defeat means… well:
It’s now been seven Australian Opens since Sam Stosur has been passed the third round. #AusOpen
— Sam McClure (@sam_mcclure) January 17, 2017
The Australian #1 and world #18 had a strong start in the first set, before conceding six of the next seven games.
A resurgence halfway through the two-and-a-half hour match was quashed by Watson, who took full advantage of Stosur’s 47 unforced errors.
Supporters have commented on Stosur’s woes, reminding nay-sayers that despite her loss to #81-ranked Watson, she’s still a bloody champ:
It’s like physically impossible for Sam Stosur to play tennis in Australia poor thing
— Jacinta (@jaacintaa_) January 17, 2017
No wonder players like Sam Stosur have anxiety and underperform in Australia, it’s ridiculous. #endrant
— ACE (@Ace_TheProfits) January 5, 2017
Remember that Sam Stosur has won 1 more Grand Slam than any other Australian woman in nearly 40 years and keep comments sensible #AusOpen
— tmmisson (@tmmisson) January 17, 2017
Nevertheless, it’s the latest disappointment in a disappointing summer season, which has seen Stosur go 139 days without a competitive win.