Australia’s Samantha Stosur produced one of the biggest upsets in women’s Grand Slam tennis history after outplaying 13-time Grand Slam champion Serena Williams 6-2, 6-3 on Sunday to win the 2011 US Open title.
Even though Stosur has a higher seeding (ninth seed), she was clearly the underdog against the 28th seeded American. Williams was the 2011 US Open series champion by claiming two hardcourt titles last summer and also beaten Stosur at the Rogers Cup finals.
“I had one of my best days. I’m very fortunate to do it on this stage,” Stosur said.
“To go out there and play the way I did is 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 added.
Williams lost her composure earlier in the game after the umpire awarded a point to her opponent after she celebrating a point win before it was over. This incident seemed to have affected her game afterwards.
“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?” she added.
The US Open title is only Stosur’s third career title and with the win, her ranking will rise to no. 7 by Monday. Meanwhile, Williams’ ranking is expected to reach no. 14.
Stosur won $1.8 million while Williams received $900,000 plus an additional $500,000 Bonus Prize money as US Open Series winner.
