Melbourne, 22 August 2012 | Australian Tennis Magazine

‘Sam’s sense of Belonging’

The stakes are high as Stosur chases back-to-back victories at the US Open but the top Australian player is warming up for a repeat performance. Discussing her preparation in the September issue of Australian Tennis Magazine, her coach David Taylor says that despite a disappointing grass court season, Stosur is well qualified to defend her US Open title, with a sense of belonging at the pinnacle of the game.  “Without doubt Grand Slam singles success is the Holy Grail, so to speak, for all the players toiling out there,” Taylor told Vivienne Christie. “It definitely gave her a hunger for more success at that level.”

‘Murray’s major motivations’

After a gold medal singles victory at the London Olympics, Andy Murray will be looking for a similarly strong performance in New York. “I feel in a good place. It was a breakthrough win for me, (the) biggest win of my career,” says the highly-motivated Scot. “I’m sure I will have gained a lot of confidence from it.”  Like Stosur, the US Open hard courts are Murray’s favourite surface, and he explains that he’s intending to use this to his full advantage when he aims for his maiden major title at Arthur Ashe court.

Also in Australian Tennis Magazine’s September issue:

• Burning US Open questions
• Un-retiring types: Roger Federer and Serena Williams
• Superstars and their superstitions
• GOLD! The best moments of London 2012 Olympics
• Mardy Fish’s health battle
• The 2012 ultimate racquet review
• Tips for tennis coaches – how to avoid burnout

Buy the September issue of Australian Tennis Magazine online for $9.35 or grab three issues for AUD$9.95 in  this Grand Slam Special offer.