A Special 30th for Stosur in Charleston

2010 Volvo Car Open champion Sam Stosur celebrated her 30^th birthday on Sunday, an event that has become a yearly tradition in Charleston. We caught up with her after her win on Tuesday.

Volvo Car Open: Tell us about spending your birthday here in Charleston once again.
Sam Stosur: I’ve spent a few birthdays here over the years. It was great – I went out to dinner with my team and last night actually had a surprise dinner with my team. I had no idea about it! A couple of other players and friends came so it was a really nice way to spend my birthday.  If I can’t be home [in Australia], I’d want to be here. It’s great to spend my birthday with a lot of friends.

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FCC: Tell us about the surprise.
Stosur: I actually had a reservation at my favorite restaurant, Fig, and my coach and trainer were trying to stall me going but it wasn’t really working because I had a reservation for four. I just didn’t realize they had one, too, but for eight! It was a great night.

FCC: You’re 30 now. What’s something you’d like to achieve in this decade of your life?
Stosur: Tennis-wise I’d love to win another Slam. If I’m able to achieve that again it would be a dream come true. Personally, I’d love to take a proper holiday. I haven’t done that in probably five years because I always just cancel it and go home. I would love to go to Italy. 

FCC: You won here in 2010. What are your feelings about Charleston?
Stosur: I love being here. I won the doubles here [2006] long before I won the singles [2010]. But there are a couple friends that I love seeing year after year. Eleanor [Adams] and Bob [Moran] do an incredible job, as well. I feel so welcomed because the fans are so great: they love watching doubles and qualifying and just about anything – there’s always a great atmosphere.

FCC: And your game suits clay so well.
Stosur: I love playing on clay. It’s fun to get out there and grind out some points and get a little dirty by sliding and having to work for it.

FCC: Thanks Sam, good luck!