Re-Motivated Stosur Finds First Round Win

Back in the place where she feels so comfortable in her career, a newly-motivated Sam Stosur, winner here in 2010, opened her 2015 Volvo Car Open campaign with a victory on Tuesday.

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The 31 year old seeded No. 9 here defeated Sesil Karatantcheva 6-2, 6-4 on Billie Jean King Stadium Court, booking herself a spot in the second round.

“I always look forward to this tournament,” the 2011 US Open champ said after her win. “It’s certainly, you know, one of, if not my favorite week of the year to be out on tour. It’s one of those things as soon as I like I said out on the court, as soon as I fly in, I instantly feel good about being here.”

Stosur moved to 13-7 lifetime in singles at the Family Circle Tennis Center. Aside from her Cup-lifting tournament in 2010, she was a semifinalist in 2012 and also won the doubles crown in 2006.

Stosur discussed with reporters her thoughts of retiring last year when the former world No. 4 finished outside the top 20 for the first time in five years. But some self-reflection has given her a new perspective.

“A year ago I really was struggling. I wasn’t happy with the way I was playing,” the Australian explained. “I realize(d)… I do still love what I do and there’s nothing that I would rather be doing.”

Nothing, perhaps, other than eating the good food that comes along with visiting Charleston, as well. Stosur let out some big laughs when explaining her culinary strategy for the week.

“I actually booked every night of the week, just in case I was here the whole week, two restaurants every night,” Stosur said smiling. “So I’ve got quite the choice going on. So if anyone’s looking for an extra reservation, I’ve probably got one. The goal is to eat as much as possible, but keep playing lots of matches so you don’t put on 10 pounds in a week.” Stosur next meets Laura Arruabarrena or Cagla Buyukakcay in the second round.