Bio
Sam took up tennis at the age of eight after a friend gave her a tennis racquet for Christmas. She used to hit at the local courts with her brother, Daniel. He soon realised she had above-average ability and convinced their parents, Diane and Tony, to give Sam coaching lessons. She went away on her first overseas trip at the age of 13, competing in the World Youth Cup in Jakarta, Indonesia. At 14 she joined the Queensland Academy of Sport (QAS) under Geoff Masters and in 2001, when she was 16, Sam joined the Australian Institute of Sport tennis program.
She formed a successful coaching partnership with Craig Morris, travelling together on the WTA Tour. Craig has played a huge role in Sam’s tennis, both on the court and off. He remains a close personal friend.
Currently without a full-time coach, Sam’s break came at the Australian Open in 2006 when she reached the fourth round – her best singles result at a Grand Slam tournament. Solid results took her a career-high No.27 in January, 2007.
She has had great success in doubles, rising to world No.1 in February 2006 after claiming a series of titles. With her doubles partner Lisa Raymond, they won the US Open in 2005, were runners up at the 2006 Australian Open and won the French Open.
In 2007, this consistently successful pair won five titles and made it to the semis at the Australian Open, French Open and Wimbledon. Sam won her maiden Grand Slam mixed doubles crown at the Australian Open in 2005 with fellow Queenslander Scott Draper and her second at Wimbledon 2008 with Bob Bryan.
She has been a member of the Optus Australian Fed Cup team since 2003 and is now being coached by the team’s captain, David Taylor.
In her down time, Sam likes going to the beach, hanging out with friends, surfing and listening to music.
Learn more about Sam at: SamStosur.com
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