Sam Stosur Q&A

Defending champion Sam Stosur speaks about her US Open title rivals and Britain's rising stars.

Defending champion assesses her rivals and Britain's rising stars

Ahead of the US Open, which starts on Monday, defending champion Sam Stosur spoke to us about extra pressure, her title rivals and Britain's rising stars. Here's what she had to say... How has life changed since you won the US Open last year?
I think I'm still pretty much the same but I certainly get recognised a lot more now, especially when I'm back home in Australia. You just have that little bit of extra status, maybe, but I think everything's pretty much the same, you just know that you've won the US Open! What was the reaction like back in Australia? How did they celebrate it?
It was pretty big. When I was in New York I didn't quite realise the total extent of what everyone was thinking back there, even though a few people tell you here and there. Once I got back then I really realised how big a deal it was and how much everyone really got into it. So many people said they woke up especially to watch the match. It's a great feeling to know that the whole country knew about it and certainly wanted me to win and do well. Are you feeling extra pressure going into the tournament this year?
No, I'm looking forward to it. It's obviously going to be different going into a Grand Slam as defending champion, but a nice feeling too to know that last year you didn't lose a match and you had a great event. It's one of those things where you'll have to try and deal with things that come up and maybe there's a little bit of extra expectation to think that you want to do it again. But at the end of the day you have to play the first round, the court's the same and you've got to take it like any other tournament. Who do you see as your main rivals for the title?
There are a number of players, it's hard to single out a name. I've got to be ready for my first round. It's going to be tough hurdle to get over as it is with any Grand Slam. Obviously the in-form player at the moment is probably Serena (Williams). We'll see what happens and how the draw pans out. Serena recently completed the golden career Grand Slam. Where do you think she ranks among the all-time greats?
You have to say that she's, if not the best, then definitely one of the top couple of players who have ever lived and played our sport. It's pretty cool to think you are playing in the same era as someone like her, who has been able to acheive everything she has.

Special

What difference has the Olympics being added to the schedule before the US Open made to your preparation for Flushing Meadows?
I didn't get to come over and play a couple of extra hardcourt tournaments which I normally would. Having said that, neither did a lot of other players. I did get to play at the Olympics which is something pretty special as well. The results weren't the way I wanted them to go but it was a great experience and I certainly wouldn't trade it for anything. Yes, it's been a little different but now that you're here everyone will forget about that. You know what's ahead and you make the most of your time before the Open. Heather Watson and Laura Robson are rising British stars. I know you haven't played either but do see them making a big impact in the game?
I think they've done quite well so far in their career. Laura with her junior titles and winning Wimbleon became quite well known, especially in Britain. Heather is doing quite well now as well. It would be nice for them to stay inside the top 100 and from there you never know where they could kick on. They are still pretty young and, yes, I think they've got a good future. For those who have never been, can you compare Flushing Meadows to the other Grand Slam venues. Which is your favourite?
They are all quite different actually in their own way. It's hard to say which one you like more or less. The Aussie Open is like a carnival and a big party. People go there just to hang out and experience the day and may never even watch tennis. The French is quite classic and quite small, the grounds, everything's done exceptionally well. Wimbledon, obviously, there's the tradition and people lining up - it's very hard to get in. You get absolutely mad tennis fans coming. The US Open is a bit more loud, you're in New York, it's just busy, but I don't know which one's best. They are all unique and great in their own way. Do you stay in Manhattan during the tournament and see some of the sights or focus fully on the tennis?
I stay in the city and each year I've kind of said I'm going to go out and do something I haven't done before in New York, but last year I didn't do anything! I think you've got to do those things before the tournament starts because once it starts it's always hard to get out and about and do stuff, but I always go out for dinner and go to different parts of the city to do that kind of thing.