Former US Open champion Sam Stosur has officially played her final singles match, falling to Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova in the second round of the Australian Open.
The Australian will continue to play doubles at the Open, before tapering off throughout 2022.
Stosur put up a respectable performance against the No. 10 seed Russian, but ultimately lost 6-2 6-2 in a match that lasted just over an hour.
Pavlyuchenkova gained an early break in the opening game and took out the first set despite a tenacious effort from Stosur.
It was a similar story in the second set, with the Russian calmly managing her break point opportunities, and remaining consistent on-serve.
The result was quickly forgotten, however, with the Kia Arena crowd on their feet to applaud and farewell the 37-year-old Australian.
Stosur announced in December that she would play her last singles tournament at Melbourne Park.
The veteran received a bouquet from Tennis Australia boss Craig Tiley and was then shown a tribute video featuring prominent tour players.
In the post-match interview, she showed gratitude towards her coaching team, her partner, and the home fans.
“It was great to play here again,” Stosur said.
“It was really a special moment for me so thank you for coming and sharing it.
“I dreamed of winning a grand slam and doing close to the things I did.
"I couldn’t have asked for any more.”
2011 US Open singles champion
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 20, 2022
20 years of #AusOpen memories.
69 Grand Slam appearances.
A career high ranking of world No.4
Thank you @bambamsam30 for the incredible memories.#AusOpen · #AO2022 pic.twitter.com/ycfyfKVRhs
Pavlyuchenkova also paid tribute to Stosur, with the pair having played each other a number of times.
"I had goosebumps when everybody was clapping for Sam," Pavlyuchenkova said.
"She is such a wonderful human being and also an amazing tennis player, so thank you, Sam."
Stosur reached a career-high singles ranking of world No. 4, and notably claimed the women's singles title at Flushing Meadows in 2011.
Her US Open victory ended a 31-year major singles drought for Australian women.
The Australian also won four major doubles crowns and three mixed doubles titles.
