Samantha Stosur, ranked 29th in the world, caused the first major upset at the Internazionali BNL d’Italia, defeating top-seeded Amelie Mauresmo in a nail-biting match that lasted almost three hours.
They played shot for shot, the result 75 67(4) 76(7) illustrates best how tight the match was. Both of them were close to victory several times. The Australian saved two match points. The French, later on, managed to save one match point, but lost the second one.
On paper, Mauremo was a heavy favorite — she’s a former world No. 1 who grew up on clay. On the other hand, Stosur admits that clay isn’t her preferred surface.
This is Samantha’s first win over Amelie in their six meetings. It seems that Mauresmo still needs to get into rhythm after her two-month break caused by an appendix surgery. “I have nothing much to say but that I’m just disappointed, and obviously I guess the lack of matches showed a little bit at that moment,” she said.
Both of them played well, but the Australian seemed to be emotionally stronger this time. I have to say that Stosur fascinated me with her mental stamina throughout the match.
