Sam Stosur Fans

Happy New Year!

Sam Stosur Fans — Mon, 31 Dec 2012 17:21:10 +0000

Goodbye 2012!

“Sam Stosur’s Australian Open campaign hit by surgery to fix bone spur“, “Stosur reveals ankle pain“, “Stosur battling ankle injury“, “There is no ideal time to do anything like that, but it had to be done and everything’s gone well. But I haven’t been able to do enough of what I wanted to do (in training),”… We cannot say we did not know it.

Sam lost 7-6(4) 7-5 after fighting 1h45 against Sofia Arvidsson.

Stats of the match:
1st serve: 67% / 75% Sofia,
Aces: 1 / 5 Sofia,
Double faults: 7 / 1 Sofia,
Winners: 28 / 13 Sofia,
Unforced Errors: 48 / 21 Sofia,
Break points won: 3/4 (4/8 Sofia),
Net points won: 18/25 (3/5 Sofia).

“I’m going to hit the practice court as much as I can”

Sam tried to play her best tennis, but she did not move well. The good thing is her left ankle is not strapped anymore and it seemed she did not suffer too much. Sam needs time and today is too soon. Keep our fingers crossed for the future and let us support Sam and wish her a very happy, healthy and successful new year.

If you want to send Sam your best wishes, please post a message on her Facebook page or go visit her official website.

“All you can do is try your best. I know that people really believe in me” (@BrisbaneTennis, 1 January).

Next tounament for Sam will be the Apia International Sydney (6-12 January 2013).

Have a Happy New Year 2013, healthy, safe and successful! Take care of yourselves!

Latest News

[PRESS]
- Sam Stosur says she will take her usual aggressive approach over the Australian summer [Adelaide Now, 1 January]
- Stosur stumbles at first outing after op [The Sydney Morning Herald, 1 January]
- Sour taste as Swede easily downs Stosur [Brisbane Times, 1 January]
- Stosur crashes out in Brisbane [The Sydney Morning Herald, 1 January]
- Stosur suffers upset loss in Brisbane [ABC Grandstand Sport, 1 January]

[VIDEOS]
- 2013 Brisbane International Day 2 WTA Highlights [WTA, 31 December]

[PHOTOS]
[Zimbio, December 31, 2012 - Source: Chris Hyde/Getty Images AsiaPac]
- Sam Stosur talks during a press conference after losing her match against Sofia Arvidsson during day two of the Brisbane International at Pat Rafter Arena
- Sam Stosur talks during a press conference (2)
- Sam Stosur talks during a press conference (3)
- Sam Stosur talks during a press conference (4)
- Sam Stosur talks during a press conference (5)

[Zimbio, December 28, 2012 - Source: Chris Hyde/Getty Images AsiaPac]
- Samantha Stosur plays a forehand during a practise session at Pat Rafter Arena
- Samantha Stosur plays a forehand during a practise session (2)
- Samantha Stosur plays a forehand during a practise session (3)
- Samantha Stosur plays a forehand during a practise session (4)
- Samantha Stosur looks on during a practise session
- Samantha Stosur looks on during a practise session (2)
- Samantha Stosur serves during a practice session
- Samantha Stosur serves during a practice session (2)

- Official Draw conducted by Australians Samantha Stosur and Matt Ebden in Brisbane Australia
- Official Draw conducted by Australians Samantha Stosur and Matt Ebden (2)
- Official Draw conducted by Australians Samantha Stosur and Matt Ebden (3)
- Samantha Stosur talks to media during the Official Draw
- Samantha Stosur talks to media during the Official Draw (2)
- Samantha Stosur talks to media during the Official Draw (3)
- Samantha Stosur poses for photographs during the Official Draw
- Samantha Stosur poses for photographs during the Official Draw (2)
- Samantha Stosur of Austrailia cunducts the Official Draw for the Brisbane International

Brisbane – Sam Stosur vs Sofia Arvidsson: preview

Sam Stosur Fans — Sun, 30 Dec 2012 14:01:31 +0000

Head to Head

Samantha Stosur	3 : 1	Sofia Arvidsson

9	Ranking	41
Australia	Country	Sweden
28	Age	28
Right-handed (two-handed backhand)	Plays	Right-handed (two-handed backhand)
5' 7 3/4" (1.72 m)	Height	5' 9 1/4" (1.76 m)

3:1

Last tournaments

Sofia Arvidsson

Moscow | Hard – 16 October 2012
R32 | Jovanovski, Bojana (SRB) #55 | W | 6-2 6-4
R16 | Bartoli, Marion (FRA) #10 | W | 6-3 6-0
Q | Kirilenko, Maria (RUS) #16 | W | 6-3 6-3
S | Wozniacki, Caroline (DEN) #11 | L | 6-3 6-7 (7) 6-4

Linz | Hard – 8 October 2012
R32 | Safarova, Lucie (CZE) #18 | W | 3-6 6-2 7-5
R16 | Hradecka, Lucie (CZE) #48 | W | 6-4 7-6 (4)
Q | Goerges, Julia (GER) #19 | L | 6-1 6-4

Match scheduled

Date: Monday, 31 December 2012
Court: Pat Rafter Arena
TV: coverage
Time difference: from Brisbane
Guide: Brisbane 2013: preview

Order of Play: 4th match not before 7:00pm in Brisbane – or -
Americas: 2:00am in Arizona, 3:00am in Texas/Wisconsin, 4:00am in Montreal/New York/Pennsylvania, 7:00am in Rio.
Europe: 9:00am in London, 10:00am Paris/Berlin/Madrid/Rome, 11:00am Sofia.
Asia: 5:00pm in Beijing, 6:00pm in Tokyo/Osaka.
Oceania: 5:00pm in Perth, 8:00pm in Sydney/Melbourne, 10:00pm in Auckland…

If you want to see the time zone of your state or country in the list, please let us know.

Brisbane 2013 – preview

Sam Stosur Fans — Sat, 29 Dec 2012 06:21:01 +0000

Brisbane International: Guide

[WEBSITE & SOCIAL NETWORKS]
Brisbane International website
Brisbane International Twitter
Brisbane International Facebook
Brisbane International YouTube

[TOURNAMENT]
Date: 30 December 2012 – 06 January 2013
Location: Queensland Tennis Centre, Brisbane, Australia
Address: 190 King Arthur Tce, Tennyson Brisbane 4105, Australia
Surface: Hard
Tier: Premier
Price money WTA: $1,000,000
Previous Winners: 2012 Kaia Kanepi (Singles), Nuria Llagostera Vives / Arantxa Parra Santonja (Doubles).

Winner: 470 pts, Finalist: 320 pts, Semi-Finalists: 200 pts, Quarter Finalists: 120 pts, 2nd Round: 60 pts, 1st Round: 1 pt.

Players: -
1/AZARENKA, Victoria (BLR, 1), 2/SHARAPOVA, Maria (RUS, 2), 3/WILLIAMS, Serena (USA, 3), 4/KERBER, Angelique (GER, 5), 5/ERRANI, Sara (ITA, 6), 6/KVITOVA, Petra (CZE, 8), 7/STOSUR Samantha (AUS, 9), 8/WOZNIACKI Caroline (DEN, 10).

Qualification matches: 28–29 December 2012
Semi-Finals: Friday, 4 January 2013.
Finals: Saturday, 5 January 2013.

Tickets: on Brisbane International website.

Schedule:
Daily: order of play.

Draws:
Printable (pdf): singles – singles qualifying – doubles.
Live scores: live scoreboard.

Sam Stosur will play 1st Round against Sofia Arvidsson (SWE #41).

Latest News

[PRESS]
- Ankle surgery hampers Sam Stosur’s start to her Australian Open campaign [News.com.au, 29 December]
- [+VIDEO] Stosur battling ankle injury [Yahoo!7 News, 29 December]
- Sam Stosur’s Australian Open campaign hit by surgery to fix bone spur [The Australian, 29 December]
- Stosur reveals ankle pain [Sports News, 29 December]
- Samantha Stosur has been placed in the horror half of the Brisbane International draw [News.com.au, 29 December]
- Strong home showing will propel Samantha Stosur up world rankings [News.com.au, 28 December]

[PHOTOS]
[Brisbane International, 29 December]
- Sam Stosur, always the centre of attention in her home town
- A big cheer for Sam Stosur and Matt Ebden as official #BI2013 begins

Support – Trust – Respect

To send a message to Sam, go visit her Facebook page.

Photos of Sam
If you want your own photos of Sam to be published on SamStosurFans.com, you are more than welcome. They will be included in the “Photos” section of the website.
Please, contact me then via the Contact form or Twitter.

Happy Holidays!

Sam Stosur Fans — Sun, 23 Dec 2012 22:21:18 +0000

Sea, surf, sand, school, sport and sun…

After playing a full year with the Olympic Games and the WTA Championships, winning 66,7% of her matches [2 finals (Doha, Moscow), 4 Semi-Finals (Charleston, French Open, Tokyo, Osaka) and 5 Quarter-Finals (Dubai, Stuttgart, Madrid, Cincinnati, US Open)], Sam Stosur has been awarded the Newcombe Medal for the third time in a row in Melbourne on December 3rd, 2012. It was time for the Aussie champion to take some days off.
Next tournament in Brisbane (30 December – 6 January).

The Advent calendar: Sam’s holidays

Click on each door and you will find out an exclusive photo commented by Sam herself.

If you want to send Sam your best wishes, please post a message on her Facebook page or go visit her official website.

Have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year 2013, healthy, safe and successful!
Take care of yourselves, drive safe and spread LOVE all around you.

Latest News

[PRESS]
- Stosur: I can win the Australian Open [Tennis Australia, 21 December]
- Stosur to headline New Year’s Eve entertainment [Brisbane International, 21 December]
- More slams headed Stosur’s way: coach [NineMSN, 17 December]
- Quotable Quotes: Sam Talks Sydney & More [WTA, 10 December]
- Stosur vows to make amends for grand slam capitulation [The Sydney Herald Morning, 07 December]
- [+VIDEO] Stosur spurred on by last summer’s flop [NinveMSN, 06 December]
- Sam wins third Newcombe Medal [Sam Stosur Fans, 04 December]

[AUDIO]
- [12'00"] Interview: Sam Stosur [ABC News, 09 December]

[VIDEOS]
- [FANVID-1'26"] Sam Stosur vs The OVAs [Tennis Australia, 19 December]
- [4'18"] Apia International Sydney chats with Sam Stosur [Tennis Australia, 09 December]
- [1'07"] Sam’s scouting report [Tennis Australia, 09 December]

Sam wins third Newcombe Medal

Sam Stosur Fans — Tue, 04 Dec 2012 18:01:20 +0000

SamStosurFans Newcombe Medal album. More photos…

Eye of the Champion

Sam Stosur has been awarded the Newcombe Medal for the third time in a row at the gala Newcombe Medal Australian Tennis Awards at Crown Palladium in Melbourne.

“Sam, fantastic effort again from you. Like the rest of Australia, I’ve just got my fingers crossed that you, during this Australian circuit, you’ll play your best possible tennis and that’s what we want to see, so go ahead and get it down,” John Newcombe said.

“Risin’ up straight to the top. Had the guts. Got the glory. Went the distance. Now I’m not gonna stop… So many times, it happens too fast, You trade your passion for glory. Don’t lose your grip on the dreams of the past, You must fight just to keep them alive… It’s the eye of the tiger”. After Australian tennis legend John Newcombe announced the winner of Newcombe Medal for 2012, the first notes of the “Eye of the Tiger” – famous song extracted from the movie “Rocky III” – welcomed and guided Sam to the stage.

Sam looked stunning and very “glamour” in an Eileen Kirby gown.

“With designs that have graced the covers of Vogue, Elle and Marie-Claire to name of few”, Eileen Kirby found the perfect dress that suited Sam very well. Congratulations!

“Sam looked amazing in our dress and it was such a pleasure to dress her,” Eileen Kirby had the kindness to tell SamStosurFans.

Thanks a lot Eileen!

I recommend you to go visit Eileen’s website and have a look at her beautiful collections. The black dresses are my favourites!

“I had a dream…”

Being Australia’s most outstanding elite player in 2010, 2011 and 2012, the Queenslander, 28 years old, current world #9, is also the first Australian woman since Wendy Turnbull to finish in the world top 10 three years running.

“Receiving the Newcombe Medal for a third year in a row is an amazing honour. The Newcombe Medal is a great occasion for the Australian tennis community to come together and celebrate our sport, recognise people’s achievements and contributions to Australian tennis.” [1]

Sam won this prestigious award against Australia’s new No.1 male player Marinko Matosevic (ATP #49), former world No.1 Lleyton Hewitt (ATP #83) and 2011 French Open mixed doubles champion Casey Dellacqua (WTA #101).

Sam got her hat-trick, being rewarded not only for being Top 9 and reaching 2 finals (Doha, Moscow), 4 semifinals (Charleston, French Open, Tokyo, Osaka) and 5 quarterfinals (Dubai, Stuttgart, Madrid, Cincinnati, US Open), but also because she led Australia to victories over Switzerland and Germany in Fed Cup winning her 4 singles matches. The team being back now into the World Group after only a years absence.

Sam’s Newcombe Medal acceptance speech took us back 20 years when she was at school.

“I had a dream when I was a little kid to be doing what I am doing today. When I was 11 years old, I wrote it down on a piece of paper for a school project for the time capsule that the school was putting into the ground … On the piece of paper, it said I wanted to be a professional tennis player, go the Olympics Games by 2008, win a Grand Slam and hopefully one day be World No.1.

“So I hope that what I have dreamt of and been able to achieve, I hope all you guys here tonight have a dream you want to achieve one day as well.”

Sam, as many of us, is a fan of Steffi Graf. We can be sure to hear many little girls and boys in the future, our next champions, mentioning Sam as their model, the player they wish or dream to be one day.

Congratulations to Tennis Australia and all the winners! Thank you very much for sharing your amazing gala with us on YouTube!
All federations, all countries should take example on Australia. The Aussie Tennis Family is made of players, coaches, clubs, volunteers and fans who share the same thing: the passion for this sport. Well done!

“What a great night. Very happy to receive Player Of The Year award again. Congrats to all the other winners of the night” ~Sam Stosur.

Replay

[PRESS]
- Stosur reflects on medal-winning season [Tennis Australia, 04 December]
- [+VIDEO] Tennis star Sam Stosur wins third Newcombe Medal [Herald Sun, 03 December]
- Samantha Stosur wins third Newcombe Medal [The Australian, 03 December]
- Stosur’s Third Straight Newcombe Medal [WTA, 03 December]
- Newcombe Medal [SamStosurFans, 02 December]

[VIDEOS]
- Newcombe Medal – Live Webcast: the gala. Sam appears at 7’50″ -> 9’11″, 1h10’30″ -> 1h11’56″, 2h36’49″ -> 2h37’18″, 2h39’05″ -> 2h46’02″ [Tennis Australia, 03 December]
- Newcombe Medal highlights 2012. Sam appears at 1’39″ -> 2’05″, 2’13″ -> 3’55″ [Tennis Australia, 03 December]
- Blue carpet highlights: Newcombe Medal 2012. Sam appears at 0’10″ -> 0’13″, 0’52″ -> 0’56″, 1’21″ -> 1’22″ [Tennis Australia, 03 December]
- Blue carpet interviews: Newcombe Medal 2012. Sam appears at 0’45″ -> 2’02″ [Tennis Australia, 03 December]
- Sam Stosur wins Newcombe Medal. Samantha Stosur has been awarded Tennis Australia’s highest honour, the Newcombe Medal, for the third year straight. [Yahoo 7, 03 December]

[TWITTER]
From @TennisAustralia:
To Sam Stosur’s fans:
- “@samstosurfans Hi guys, welcome Hope you enjoy the live stream, we’ll be here on #newks #tennis”
- “@samstosurfans Thanks for joining us tonight ”
- “Sam Stosur trying on her jewels. What do you think guys?”
- “Sam Stosur with Alicia Molik – both looking ravishing!”
- “‘It’s fantastic to be here for this night and for everyone who plays a part in this game’ – Sam Stosur on the #newks”
- “And the winner of the Newcombe Medal 2012 is…Sam Stosur! RT this if you’re proud of her! #newks”
- “‘A dream and a bit of hard work can take you a long way’ – Sam Stosur #newks”
- “Sam accepts her medal of Newk. 3 years in a row! What a girl!”
- “And that concludes the proceedings for tonight’s #newks. Well done Sam & all our award winners! An amazing night!”
- “All our winners of tonight’s awards! What a great bunch! #newks”
- “3 time winner Sam #stosur with @mattscravat”

- “Congrats to Sam Stosur on picking up the Newcombe Medal” @AUSOlympicTeam
- “Congrats to sam stosur for winning newks medal for the 3 time!well deserved and all the girls looked stunning!” Jarmila Gajdosova ‏@Jarka_Tennis
- “Congrats to FC player Sam!” @FedCup
- “Sam Stosur, our USANA Ambassador, was awarded the Newcombe Medal for the 3rd consecutive year. What a huge achievement!” @USANA_ANZ

- “Congrats Sam Stosur on winning the Newcombe Medal for the third straight year!!” @GCBulletin
- “Congratulations Sam” @YourGoldCoast
- “Always a lot to talk about with #newks finalist Sam Stosur. And we love writing about her too!” @AusTennisMag
- “Sam Stosur looking very glam in an Eileen Kirby gown @JackieHeraldSun
- “A toast to the #newcombemedal winner Sam Stosur. 3 from 3. #newks” @ChrisStubbsFOX
- “Sam Stosur talks about achieving childhood dreams as she accepts Newcombe Medal for a third consecutive year. Inspirational Sam! #newks” @AusTennisMag
- “Team Queensland @ the #Newks” @Grant_Jenkins
- “Congrats to Sammy #Stosur for taking out her 3rd NM last night at the 2012 #Newks. 2 babes on the blue carpet for sure!” @desteed
- “Australian tennis legend Sam Stosur after winning the prize” @MARKHLAWATY

- “Sam Stosur looks gorgeous at the Newcombe tennis awards tonight.” @JanetGoss
- “Loving Sammy Stosur’s dress tonight.” @Jones_1987
- “She is very beautiful Gorgeous Sam ” @Mariiiiou
- “Sam looks beautiful tonight. good luck.Sam!” @emer_lou
- “Heavenly!” @doddypne
- “Stosur now being introduced as nominee for the Newcombe Medal. Good luck Sam. Make it 3 in a row #gosam #newks #tennis” @anthonyqld
- “Sammy is not only athletic but also ever so elegant.Vogue take a peek at Sammy!!” @PennySinclair1
- “Sam was stunning!” @caropaquin80
- “Samantha #Stosur won her third-straight #Newcombe Medal in Melbourne tonight, making her Australia’s top #tennis player.” @FOXSportsNews
- “I can’t wait for the Australian Open and I’m sure Sam will do her best. Looking forward to a good summer for Sam.” @tigersuki2
- “Sam Stosur wins the Newcombe Medal. Congratulations Sam.” @anthonyqld
- “Newcombe Medalist – congrats to Sam Stosur #NewksMedal #newks” @geoffquinlan
- “nicely done sam!! Well deserved!!” @sara_conyers
- “Sammy wins the Newcombe medal for 3 years in a row.. Should rename it the Stosur medal! So proud of her!” @NatBatTennis
- “She’s done it again. Sam Stosur is the 2012 Newcombe Medallist. Congratulations Sam!!! #newks” @gpie26
- “Well done Sam Stosur, #NewcombeMedal winner once again.” @edwin_smith1
- “And Sammy S wins the #newks Newcombe Medal. French semi, best women’s match I’ve seen V Azarenka in the US quarter. A job well done. Again.” @walshcee
- “Winner if the prestigious medal. #gosam well done” @garethdun
- “SO PROUD!!!” @Natski_747
- “Congratulations #SamStosur on winning Newcombe Medal for 2012!! #newks” @gav_mck
- “Sam smokes em!” @TTFau
- “Congrats @samstosur for another John Newcombe medal #newks” @BrodieGardner
- “Congrats Sam and true champion and role model. A true inspiration 4 all future champs – gold!” @ClydesdaleKaren
- “Without any doubt she is the winner! Congrats and well deserved Sammy!” @TuzhVlad
- “Well done Sam Stosur on your third Newcombe Medal in a row! #wow #newks” @jivebong
- “Well done sam s” @centrecourt08
- “Congrats Sam. well deserved! ” @emer_lou
- “She looks fab” @_Michelle_x_x_x
- “Congrats to Sammy” @wildhorses66
- “Wooh, she looks gorgeous =)” @wildhorses66
- “Cc. @SamStosurFans The leading national newspaper in my country talk abt #Stosur » @kompascom Stosur Masih Yg Terbaik” @Rharrys
- “How stunning Sam Stosur looked last night. Wow!” @lawanda50
- “Congrats. to a super Oz Star!!” @PennySinclair1
- “So happy for our champion. A real princess tonight!” @fedsam12

And many others… Congratulations Sammy!

References

[1] Stosur wins third Newcombe Medal [Tennis Australia, 03 December]

Newcombe Medal

Sam Stosur Fans — Sun, 02 Dec 2012 20:01:46 +0000

Good luck to Sam and Dave!

Will Samantha Stosur be awarded the Newcombe Medal for a third consecutive year in Melbourne?

“Blue carpet arrivals commence from 6:30pm, with guests enjoying a three-course designed menu (including pre-dinner drinks and full beverage package) while celebrating the award winners and recipient of the Newcombe Medal in 2012.” Read more about the event.

The Awards

Finalists

Newcombe Medal
Casey Dellacqua (WA)
Lleyton Hewitt (SA)
Marinko Matosevic (VIC)
Samantha Stosur (QLD)

Coaching Excellence – High Performance
Josh Eagle (QLD)
David Taylor (NSW)
Des Tyson (VIC)

Live

Date: Monday, 3 December 2012
Location: Palladium Ballroom at the Crown Entertainment Complex, 8 Whiteman Street, Southbank VIC 3006, Melbourne, Australia.
Time difference: from Melbourne

Streaming: on the Tennis Australia Youtube channel or on the Newcombe Medal website.

Scheduled: at 7:30pm in Melbourne – or -
Americas: 1:30am in Arizona, 2:30am in Texas/Wisconsin, 3:30am in Montreal/New York, 6:30am in Rio.
Europe: 8:30am in London, 9:30am Paris/Berlin/Madrid/Rome, 10:30am Sofia.
Asia: 4:30pm in Beijing, 5:30pm in Tokyo/Osaka.
Oceania: 4:30pm in Perth, 6:30pm in Brisbane, 7:30pm Sydney, 9:30pm in Auckland…
If you want to see the time zone of your state or country in the list, please let us know.

To be informed and chat about the Australian Tennis Awards 2012, feel free to follow our hashtag #GoSam, the official hashtag #newks or/and to join the ‘SamStosurFans Live’ Twitter account @GoSamStosur.

Sam Stosur – Statistics 2012

Sam Stosur Fans — Fri, 26 Oct 2012 21:21:36 +0000

2012 long tennis season is over. This is the time to look at Sam’s statistics. She ended Top 6 in 2010 and 2011. She is Top 9 in 2012. A bad year? Not really. Can Sam be back Top 5 in 2013? Absolutely.

2012: a mixed year

66 matches played in 2012: 44 won, 22 lost [1]. The match against Sara Errani at the WTA Championships this week can summarize Sam’s 2012 season: average, good and bad.

Only Top 10 players can explain how hard it is to stay in the Elite. Just ask Caroline Wozniacki who was world #01 in January and is now world #12. As the French dramatist – Philippe Destouches said three centuries ago: “Criticism is easy, and art is difficult.” [2].

Many factors can explain the reasons of Sam’s defeats: unrevealed injuries, tiredness, current work with Dave Taylor or a very good game played by her opponents. But Sam Stosur falling in the rankings this year is mostly due to the Olympic Games campaign.

Everybody knows that Sam’s two best enemies are herself and London grass courts. She so wants to do well in Australia and for her country to be proud of her that the pressure she puts on herself can destroy her own game and strengths. Bernard Tomic can tell her to ignore the pressure [3], but it is ‘easier’ when you are world #45 with no carrier title [4]. Bernard is supported to do well, Sam is expected to win. Be indulgent guys! Remember Sam suffered from Lyme disease four years ago, and she is not even sure to be completely cured today.

2012 was special with the Olympic Games. Since January, players lived with the fear of being injured more than usual. Unfortunately for Sam, the Olympic Games were organized in London on grass.

Statistics Sam Stosur 2010-2011-2012 (click to enlarge).

Tournaments played | Win-Loss singles
2010: 19 | 47-19
2011: 21 | 46-23
2012: 22 | 44-22

Looking at the compilation of her results over three years, it seems that Sam is very consistent in her inconsistency. But being one of Top 10 players means winning more than losing matches.

In 2010, Sam won 71,2% of her matches including: 1 title (Charleston), 2 finals (Stuttgart, French Open), 3 SFs (Indian Wells, Eastbourne, Stanford), 6 QFs (Miami, Madrid, San Diego, New Haven, US Open, Osaka).

In 2011, she won 66,7% of her matches including: 1 grand slam title (US Open), 3 finals (Rome, Toronto, Osaka), 2 SFs (Stuttgart, Eastbourne), 2 QFs (Dubai, Cincinnati).

In 2012, she won 66,7% of her matches as well including 0 title, 2 finals (Doha, Moscow), 4 SFs (Charleston, French Open, Tokyo, Osaka), 5 QFs (Dubai, Stuttgart, Madrid, Cincinnati, US Open).

How to make the difference…

#01 Victoria Azarenka 10190 pts, #02 Maria Sharapova 9115 pts, #03 Serena Williams 7900 pts, #04 Agnieszka Radwanska 7095 pts, #05 Angelique Kerber 5470 pts, #06 Petra Kvitova 5215 pts, #07 Sara Errani 4855 pts, #08 Na Li 4726 pts, #09 Sam Stosur 4120 pts. [5]

How to be Top 3?

2012 Tournaments played | Win-Loss singles
Azarenka: 16 | 67-8
Sharapova: 13 | 56-10
Williams: 12 | 53-4

The paradox with the WTA’s system of points is that Victoria Azarenka played 16 tournaments, Maria Sharapova 13 and Serena Williams 12 only, when Sam Stosur and Marion Bartoli for example signed for 22 and 25 respectively. The 2012 WTA Calendar counts 55 tournaments.
Unfortunately, this may encourage top players to play the compulsory tournaments only and it might be a problem for the organizers. Stars make people buy tickets. Women’s tennis needs stars since Justine Henin, Amelie Mauresmo and Kim Clijsters retired.

Statistics Azarenka-Sharapova-Willliams-Stosur 2012 (click to enlarge).

In 2012, Victoria Azarenka won 89,3% of her matches including: 6 titles (Sydney, Australian Open, Doha, Indian Wells, Beijing, Linz), 3 finals (Stuttgart, Madrid, US Open), 2 SFs (Wimbledon, Olympics), 2 QFs (Miami, Tokyo).

Maria Sharapova won 84,8% of her matches including: 3 titles (Stuttgart, Rome, French Open), 5 finals (Australian Open, Indian Wells, Miami, Olympics, Beijing), 1 SF (US Open), 4 QFs (Dubai, Paris, Madrid, Tokyo).

Serena Williams won 93% of her matches including: 6 titles (Charleston, Madrid, Wimbledon, Stanford, Olympics, US Open), 1 SF (Rome), 3 QFs (Brisbane, Miami, Cincinnati).

How to be back Top 7?

2012 Tournaments played | Win-Loss singles
Errani: 22 | 54-20
Li: 16 | 41-15

In 2012, Sara Errani was #45 in January. She won 73% of her matches including: 4 titles * (Acapulco, Barcelona, Budapest, Palermo), 1 final (French Open), 2 SFs (Monterrey, New Haven, US Open), 3 QFs (Auckland, Australian Open, Tokyo).
* Now with her new status – world #07 – will she choose to keep playing these tournaments ($220,000)?

Na Li won 73,2% of her matches including: 1 title (Cincinnati), 3 finals (Sydney, Rome, Montreal), 1 SF (Beijing), 4 QFs (Indian Wells, Miami, Stuttgart, Madrid).

Statistics Errani-Li-Stosur 2012 (click to enlarge).

How to be back Top 5?

2012 Tournaments played | Win-Loss singles
Kerber: 20 | 60-19
Kvitova: 17 | 45-15

In 2012, Angelique Kerber won 75,9% of her matches including: 2 titles (Paris Copenhagen), 2 finals (Eastbourne, Cincinnati), 6 SFs (Auckland, Hobart, Indian Wells, Rome, Wimbledon, Tokyo), 4 QFs (Stuttgart, French Open, Olympics, Beijing).

Petra Kvitova won 75% of her matches including: 2 titles (Montreal, New Haven), 5 SFs (Sydney, Australian Open, Stuttgart, French Open, Cincinnati), 3 QFs (Rome, Wimbledon, Olympics).

Statistics Kerber-Kvitova-Stosur 2012 (click to enlarge).

Will 2013 be Sammy’s year?

Playing the Olympics did not help Sam stay Top 6, as she could not play and save her SFs points in Stanford. The energy lost and the disappointment she felt after her bad grass season did not help her play well in Montreal.

Graphics show that the lack of titles makes the difference between Sam Stosur and Top 8 players. Obviously being consistent in the last rounds and winning points in grand slams are the keys to be back Top 5.

We can count on Sam to be ready in 2013.

See you next year!

Quotes

“At the end of the day, you want to win titles. I made two finals this year and came up short in both.” – Sam Stosur [6]

“This one (in Moscow) was very close and there’s been other tournaments where I had good opportunities and made it to semis. So I got close, but it’s disappointing not to walk away with a title this year, having done so the last few years. But I’ll try to use that to motivate myself to try to do better next year.” – Sam Stosur [6]

“Fifty match wins she’s never done that but been very close the last few years” – Dave Taylor [7]

“The difference between her top level and her worst level is too great for a top player. Sam needs to improve her lower level.” – Dave Taylor [7]

“The lowlight was the disappointment of Roland Garros. I believe the level that Sam was producing at the time, it was her tournament to win. It has been a frustrating year in many ways. Winning a Grand Slam in the manner she did confirmed Sam’s ability, but it also set an incredibly high standard. Not playing to that standard at times is often a reminder of what could be.” – Dave Taylor [7]

“I’m really pleased with the way I handled going into that tournament (US Open) as defending champion that was a whole new proposition for me, I’m really pleased with the way I came through that time and played in New York and got so close to beating Victoria for the first time.” – Sam Stosur [7]

“As much as I’m a little bit disappointed with the year that I’ve had, there’s still great things to look back on and think that you’ve improved in. You’re always learning about yourself and how you’re going to handle things the key is then using that in the next instance where you can try and improve it.” – Sam Stosur [7]

“As soon as I shake hands tomorrow, I’ll be happy to take a break. I think once it’s done I’ll probably be able to think of it in a more positive light. At the moment, I think it’s been up and down. I’ve had lots of quarter[-finals], lots of semis, but at least some of those matches were matches where I really think I could have played better or got a better result – when you find yourself in a couple more finals, you never really know what can happen.” – Sam Stosur [8]

“I don’t know if it’s that much of a difference going in seeded five or six, whatever I was, or seeded nine, I’m still top 10 and still the highest ranking Australian. I don’t think it’s going to be that much different in that respect. Obviously, having just won the US Open probably catapults you that little bit higher. I think I hopefully would have learned a lot of things from this year’s tournament and from the whole year. Yeah, definitely want to try and handle that occasion better and play a lot better, and play to my capability a lot more at home in Australia.” – Sam Stosur [8]

References

[1] All statistics detailed in this analysis exclude the WTA Championships being a special tournament.
[2] “Le Glorieux (II, 5)” (1732), Philippe Destouches (1680-1754).
[3] Bernard Tomic tells Sam Stosur to ignore the pressure [The Australian, January 11, 2012]
[4] Bernard Tomic [ATP Tour]
[5] WTA Singles Rankings published on Monday, October 22, 2012.
[6] Season of misses to motivate Samantha Stosur [The Australian, October 22, 2012]
[7] Sam Stosur aims for the magic 50 wins in 2013 [News.com.au, October 22, 2012]
[8] Stosur ready for break [The Age, October 27, 2012]

WTA Championships – Sam Stosur vs Maria Sharapova: preview

Sam Stosur Fans — Thu, 25 Oct 2012 19:21:19 +0000

Head to Head

Samantha Stosur	2 : 10	Maria Sharapova

9	Ranking	2
Australia	Country	Russia
28	Age	25
Right-handed (two-handed backhand)	Plays	Right-handed (two-handed backhand)
5' 7 3/4" (1.72 m)	Height	6' 2" (1.88 m)

2:10

Last tournaments

Maria Sharapova

WTA Championships | Hard – 23 October 2012
R1 | Errani, Sara (ITA) #7 | W | 6-3 6-2
R1 | Radwanska, Agnieszka (POL) #4 | W | 5-7 7-5 7-5

Beijing | Hard – 29 September 2012
R64 | Halep, Simona (ROU) #47 | W | 7-5 7-5
R32 | Cirstea, Sorana (ROU) #29 | W | 6-2 6-2
R16 | Hercog, Polona (SLO) #90 | W | 6-0 6-2
Q | Kerber, Angelique (GER) #6 | W | 6-0 3-0 RET
S | Li, Na (CHN) #8 | W | 6-4 6-0
F | Azarenka, Victoria (BLR) #1 | L | 6-3 6-1

Tokyo | Hard – 23 September 2012
R64 | BYE
R32 | Watson, Heather (GBR) #78 | W | 6-7(7) 6-3 6-4
R16 | Safarova, Lucie (CZE) #17 | W | 6-2 7-6(5)
Q | Stosur, Samantha (AUS) #9 | L | 6-4 7-6(10)

US Open | Hard – 27 August 2012
R128 | Czink, Melinda (HUN) #88 | W | 6-7(5) 6-2 6-2
R64 | Dominguez Lino, Lourdes (ESP) #78 | W | 6-0 6-1
R32 | Burdette, Mallory (USA) #252 | W | 6-1 6-1
R16 | Petrova, Nadia (RUS) #22 | W | 6-1 4-6 6-4
Q | Bartoli, Marion (FRA) #11 | W | 3-6 6-3 6-4
S | Azarenka, Victoria (BLR) #1 | L | 3-6 6-2 6-4

(…)

Miami | Hard – 20 March 2012
R128 | BYE
R64 | Peer, Shahar (ISR) #55 | W | 4-6 6-3 6-3
R32 | Stephens, Sloane (USA) #90 | W | 6-4 6-2
R16 | Makarova, Ekaterina (RUS) #41 | W | 6-4 7-6(3)
Q | Li, Na (CHN) #8 | W | 6-3 6-0
S | Wozniacki, Caroline (DEN) #6 | W | 4-6 6-2 6-4
F | Radwanska, Agnieszka (POL) #4 | L | 7-5 6-4

Indian Wells | Hard – 7 March 2012
R128 | BYE
R64 | Dulko, Gisela (ARG) #126 | W | 6-2 6-0
R32 | Halep, Simona (ROU) #50 | W | 6-3 6-4
R16 | Vinci, Roberta (ITA) #22 | W | 6-2 6-1
Q | Kirilenko, Maria (RUS) #23 | W | 3-6 7-5 6-2
S | Ivanovic, Ana (SRB) #16 | W | 6-4 0-1 RET
F | Azarenka, Victoria (BLR) #1 | L | 6-2 6-3

Australian Open | Hard – 16 January 2012
R128 | Dulko, Gisela (ARG) #68 | W | 6-7(5) 6-0 6-1
R64 | Hampton, Jamie (USA) #144 | W | 6-0 6-1
R32 | Kerber, Angelique (GER) #30 | W | 6-1 6-2
R16 | Lisicki, Sabine (GER) #15 | W | 3-6 6-2 6-3
Q | Makarova, Ekaterina (RUS) #56 | W | 6-2 6-3
S | Kvitova, Petra (CZE) #2 | W | 6-2 3-6 6-4
F | Azarenka, Victoria (BLR) #3 | L | 6-3 6-0

Match scheduled

Date: Friday, 26 October 2012
Court: Centre Court
TV: coverage
Time difference: from Istanbul
Guide: WTA Championships 2012: preview

Order of Play: 1st match at 5:00pm in Istanbul – or -
Americas: 7:00am in Arizona, 9:00am in Texas/Wisconsin, 10:00am in Montreal/New York, 12:00pm in Rio.
Europe: 3:00pm in London, 4:00pm Paris/Berlin/Madrid/Rome, 5:00pm Sofia.
Asia: 10:00pm in Beijing, 11:00pm in Tokyo/Osaka.
Oceania: 10:00pm in Perth, [Saturday 27] 12:00am in Brisbane, 1:00am Sydney/Melbourne, 3:00am in Auckland…
If you want to see the time zone of your state or country in the list, please let us know.

Live scores

To be informed about Sam’s matches (game after game), you can follow our hashtag #GoSam or the ‘SamStosurFans Live’ Twitter account @GoSamStosur.

Support – Trust – Respect

To send a message to Sam, go visit her Facebook page.

WTA Championships – Sam Stosur vs Sara Errani: preview

Sam Stosur Fans — Wed, 24 Oct 2012 19:01:21 +0000

Head to Head

Samantha Stosur	5 : 1	Sara Errani

9	Ranking	7
Australia	Country	Italy
28	Age	25
Right-handed (two-handed backhand)	Plays	Right-handed (two-handed backhand)
5' 7 3/4" (1.72 m)	Height	5' 4 1/2" (1.64 m)

5:1

Last tournaments

Sara Errani

WTA Championships | Hard – 23 October 2012
R1 | Sharapova, Maria (RUS) #2 | L | 6-3 6-2

Beijing | Hard – 29 September 2012
R64 | Giorgi, Camila (ITA) #93 | L | 5-4 RET

Tokyo | Hard – 23 September 2012
R64 | BYE
R32 | Larsson, Johanna (SWE) #84 | W | 6-3 7-6(1)
R16 | Bartoli, Marion (FRA) #10 | W | 3-6 6-2 6-2
Q | Petrova, Nadia (RUS) #18 | L | 3-6 7-5 6-3

US Open | Hard – 27 August 2012
R128 | Muguruza, Garbine (ESP) #98 | W | 6-3 6-7(6) 6-1
R64 | Dushevina, Vera (RUS) #104 | W | 6-0 6-1
R32 | Puchkova, Olga (RUS) #143 | W | 6-1 6-1
R16 | Kerber, Angelique (GER) #6 | W | 7-6(5) 6-3
Q | Vinci, Roberta (ITA #19 | W | 6-2 6-4
S | Williams, Serena (USA) #4 | L | 6-1 6-2

New Haven | Hard – 19 August 2012
R32 | Mattek-Sands, Bethanie (USA) #216 | W | 6-4 7-5
R16 | Suarez Navarro, Carla (ESP) #39 | W | 6-4 6-3
Q | Bartoli, Marion (FRA) #11 | W | 6-4 6-2
S | Kvitova, Petra (CZE) #5 | L | 6-1 6-3

Cincinnati | Hard – 13 August 2012
R64 | BYE
R32 | Hantuchova, Daniela (SVK) #35 | W | 6-4 6-4
R16 | Williams, Venus (USA) #64 | L | 6-3 6-0

Montreal | Hard – 7 August 2012
R64 | BYE
R32 | Cepelova, Jana (SVK) #117 | W | 6-3 6-2
R16 | Li, Na (CHN) #11 | L | 6-4 6-2

(…)

Fed Cup | Hard – Week 2 – 21-22 April 2012
R2 | Kvitova, Petra (CZE) #3 | L | 6-4 6-3
R2 | Hlavackova, Andrea (CZE) #117 | W | 2-6 6-2 6-2

Indian Wells | Hard – 7 March 2012
R128 | King, Vania (USA) #58 | L | 7-6(3) 6-4

Australian Open | Hard – 16 January 2012
R128 | Savinykh, Valeria (RUS) #124 | W | 6-2 6-1
R64 | Petrova, Nadia (RUS) #31 | W | 6-2 6-2
R32 | Cirstea, Sorana (ROU) #59 | W | 6-7(6) 6-0 6-2
R16 | Zheng, Jie (CHN) #38 | W | 6-2 6-1
Q | Kvitova, Petra (CZE) #2 | L | 6-4 6-4

Match scheduled

Date: Thursday, 25 October 2012
Court: Centre Court
TV: coverage
Time difference: from Istanbul
Guide: WTA Championships 2012: preview

Order of Play: 3rd match (1st match at 5:00pm) – at around 9:00pm in Istanbul – or -
Americas: 11:00am in Arizona, 1:00pm in Texas/Wisconsin, 2:00pm in Montreal/New York, 4:00pm in Rio.
Europe: 7:00pm in London, 8:00pm Paris/Berlin/Madrid/Rome, 9:00pm Sofia.
Asia: [Friday 26] 2:00am in Beijing, 3:00am in Osaka.
Oceania: [Friday 26] 2:00am in Perth, 4:00am in Brisbane, 5:00am Sydney/Melbourne, 7:00am in Auckland…
If you want to see the time zone of your state or country in the list, please let us know.

Live scores

To be informed about Sam’s matches (game after game), you can follow our hashtag #GoSam or the ‘SamStosurFans Live’ Twitter account @GoSamStosur.

Support – Trust – Respect

To send a message to Sam, go visit her Facebook page.

WTA Championships 2012 – preview

Sam Stosur Fans — Mon, 22 Oct 2012 20:42:37 +0000

WTA Championships: Guide

The WTA Championships or Women’s Masters will close the 2012 season of tennis. Sam Stosur will finish Top #09.

[PLAYERS] (acceptance list for 22 Oct. 2012) -
1/AZARENKA, Victoria (BLR), 2/SHARAPOVA, Maria (RUS), 3/WILLIAMS, Serena (USA), 4/RADWANSKA, Agnieszka (POL), 5/KERBER, Angelique (GER), 6/KVITOVA, Petra (CZE), 7/ERRANI, Sara (ITA), 8/LI, Na (CHI). 1st alternate: 9/STOSUR, Samantha (AUS), 2nd alternate: 10/BARTOLI, Marion (FRA).

Red group – current standings: AZARENKA, Victoria (BLR), KERBER, Angelique (GER), LI, Na (CHI), WILLIAMS, Serena (USA).
White group – current standings: ERRANI, Sara (ITA), KVITOVA, Petra (CZE), RADWANSKA, Agnieszka (POL), SHARAPOVA, Maria (RUS).

[TOURNAMENT]
Date: 23-28 October 2012
Location: Sinan Erdem Dome, Istanbul
Address: Zuhuratbaba Mh., 34147 Bakırköy/İstanbul, Turkey
Surface: Hard/Indoors
Tier: Tour Championship
Pricemoney WTA: $4,900,000
Tickets: on WTA Championships website.

Draw:
Printable (pdf) singles.

Schedule:
Daily: order of play.
TV coverage: schedule
Live scores: live scoreboard.

[WEBSITE & SOCIAL NETWORKS]
WTA website
WTA Championships website
WTA Twitter
WTA Championships Twitter (in Turkish)
WTA Facebook
WTA Championships Facebook (in Turkish)
WTA Youtube.