Sam Stosur received the Billie Jean King Cup Commitment Award, given to players who have made a long-standing commitment to representing their country in the prestigious competition.
Malaga, Spain, November 19, 2024 | lis de degde
Sam Stosur, one of the most decorated players in the history of the competition, received the Billie Jean King Cup Commitment Award ahead of the quarter-final between Australia and Slovakia.
In 19 years and 34 ties in the green and gold, Australia’s quarter-finals in Malaga saw Stosur score a total of 36 ties as a player or captain.
The Commitment Award is given to a player who has made a long-standing commitment to representing their country in the prestigious Billie Jean King Cup competition.
“Talk about an honour, it’s an absolute honour,” said Stosur, who first capped for Australia as a teenager in the 2003 World Group play-off match against Colombia.
“We didn’t win every game by any means, but I know we did our best in every moment and I’m very proud of that.”
Although Stosur downplays her accomplishments, her record speaks volumes.
With 29 singles wins at the Billie Jean King Cup, she holds the distinction of having won the most singles matches of any Australian in the history of the competition.
“I certainly didn’t expect anything. But to be recognized for so long, to be on this team and play in green and gold is special,” said Stosur, who also compiled an unblemished 10-1 record in Billie Jean King Cup doubles competition.
“I always took pride in it and tried to give it everything I had every time I got the chance to go out on the court.”
Throughout her career, Stosur was a role model. For a number of young players, including fellow Queenslanders Kimberly Birrell and Ajla Tomljanovic, who played in the singles rubber against Slovakia.
That quarterfinal tie was a bittersweet ending to Stosur’s debut year as team captain. Proud of her award and the team’s effort, the Australian squad ended their 2024 campaign with a 2-0 loss to Slovakia.
