Stosur determined to represent Australia at fifth Olympics

It’s been eight years since Samantha Stosur won the US Open, but the 35-year-old has no intention of calling it a career in the near future.

Stosur has her eye on qualifying for a fifth Olympics in 2020, which would see her join exclusive company as just the fifth Australian to achieve the distinction.

"That's going to be a real priority, to make sure I'm there and competing at another Olympics," the former world No. 4 told Australian Broadcasting Corporation. "If I can keep my ranking relatively high for doubles, then I'll be able to play that and singles, you never really know until closer to the time.”

Getty Images

While Stosur ended 2019 at No. 99 in the singles rankings, she enjoyed a strong season with Zhang Shuai in doubles. The duo captured the Australian Open crown and qualified for the WTA Finals Shenzhen.

If the two can back up their Melbourne triumph with a solid title defense effort, Stosur’s Tokyo ticket will essentially become a formality. And with the likelihood of sharing the court with Ashleigh Barty at the Ariake Tennis Forest Park, Stosur could leave Tokyo with more than just a cherished memory.

Last week, Stosur was honored with the 2019 Spirit of Tennis award at the Newcombe Medal. Her 29 Fed Cup singles wins are an Australian record.