Samantha Stosur has won Australia's first grand slam in a decade, emphatically taking down Serena Williams 6-2, 6-3 in 1 hour and 23 minutes. Following the footsteps of countryman Lleyton Hewitt – who toppled the then-favourite Pete Sampras in 2001's US Open final – both entered their respective matches as underdogs, but emerged as first-time grand slam champions. Stosur pocketed a $US1.8 million cheque for her efforts. Samantha Stosur of Australia reacts after breaking the serve of Serena Williams. Photo: Reuters In front of a 23,000 strong crowd at Arthur Ashe stadium – who took the time to remember the 10-year anniversary of the terrorist attacks that hit their city - under floodlights, 13-time champion Williams began the match with an ace. The American found herself under pressure in only the third game – serving an abnormally slow 69 miles per hour second serve en route to being broken. Fearless Stosur grew in confidence despite the home crowd support and broke again for a 5-2 lead, serving it out with ease. US Open final - Sam Stosur vs Serena Williams Samantha Stosur of Australia (right) celebrates with the championship trophy alongside Serena Williams of the United States (left) after the US Open women's singles final. Photo: Matthew Stockman/Getty [View the story "Reactions to Stosur's US Open win" on Storify] The first game of the second set was where the drama unfolded as Williams defended a second break point with what was poised to be an inside out forehand winner. Before the ball landed, she yelled out “Come on!” but chair umpire Eva Asderaki enforced the 'hindrance rule', awarding Stosur the break. An inevitable outburst from Williams followed – inciting memories of the 2009 final where she was defaulted from the match by verbally abusing a line umpire who called a foot fault. “I hate you”, she said to Asderaki after winning the first point on Stosur's serve, receiving a code violation in response. “You're totally out of control, you are a hater and you are unattractive inside. ..if you see me walking down the hall, look the other way,” said a furious Williams at the next change of ends. “I get a code violation for [letting you know what I think], we're in America,” she continued, before asking a ballkid for a water. “Or am I going to be code violated for a water?” she asked Asderaki. Stosur ignored her opponent's rage and managed to defend two break points, preventing from a likely momentum swing. The Australian then converting a break point courtesy of a long Williams' backhand in the seventh game to take a 4-3 lead. Serving to stay in the match in front of a crowd – including sister Venus - willing her to fight, Williams saved two match points but could do nothing as Stosur took the third with a forehand winner. "It's a dream come true", said a visibly thrilled Stosur, who was lifted up to her box by security guards to celebrate with her team. "I'm still kind of speechless, I can't actually believe I won this tournament," said the ever humble Queenslander. "I guess to go out there and play the way I did is obviously just an unbelievable feeling, and you always hope and you want to be able to do that, but to actually do it, is unbelievable," she said, unable to wipe a smile off her face. "I've played matches where I feel like I played lights out, can't miss a ball, and it's fantastic, but to do it under these circumstances in this kind of final against a player like Serena, for sure I'm gonna think it's one of the best days of my career, of my life of playing." The 27 year-old said she felt more relaxed due to her underdog status, adding that her finals experience at Roland Garros last year helped her today. "I had to believe I had a chance to win and I think obviously having two victories over Serena in the past definitely helped me feel that it was possible...I knew that I had to go out there and play well and actually do it, but I think having those victories in the past for sure made me feel a little bit more comfortable," she added. "If I was gonna win, I didn't think that I'd be able to do it in 6-2, 6-3, that's for sure," said the new world No.7. Stosur revealed that her heart was beating out of her chest after winning the first set, but she believed voices in her head telling her that she had a chance. As well as serving well, the Australian said she was able to expose Williams' second serve - a rare sight on the WTA Tour. "Today I was able to step in and hit my favourite shot nearly off every single one and really put her under pressure every time she missed a first serve, I think that was big." "I hit a winner, but I guess it didn't count. It wouldn't have mattered in the end. Sam played really well." said a gracious Williams during the trophy presentation. "She played really, really well. She's a great player, and it's good to see," Williams said. "I tried my hardest and she kept hitting winners and I was, 'Oh my God, what am I doing?" I think I had one of my best days," said Stosur, who had previously won only two WTA Tour level titles. "I'm very fortunate to do it on this stage." Trawling back further in the record books, Stosur is also Australia's first female grand slam champion since Evonne Goolagong Cawley won Wimbledon in 1980 and the first Australian name on the US Open women's singles trophy since Margaret Court Smith in 1973- before the tournament relocated to Flushing Meadows. Read more: http://www.theage.com.au/sport/tenn...ins-us-open-20110912-1k4r6.html#ixzz1XhC5OKkf AUSSIE AUSSIE AUSSIE OI OI OI hat's off to serena though, was a kind and gracious lady she is
Dream Match Two of the most gorgeous athletes going toe-to-toe. I love amazons. I spent more time staring at their legs than their rackets. Congratulations to Sam Stosur. I have always admired her cool under pressure persona.
lol at the staring at their legs bit...!!!! it was a good game, and we aussies are proud as punch...!!!!
