Samantha Stosur
An Australian tennis powerhouse who broke through with a ferocious serve and forehand to win a historic US Open title against Serena Williams.
Born 1984 (age 42)·Australian tennis player·Birthday: March 30·Millennials
Biography
Samantha Stosur’s career is a testament to resilience and a unique, explosive style of play. Hailing from Queensland, she first made her mark as a world-class doubles specialist, reaching the pinnacle of that discipline with a number one ranking. But it was in singles where she authored her most memorable chapter. Known for a devastating topspin forehand and a powerful serve, Stosur’s game was built for clay and hard courts. After a serious illness in 2007 threatened her career, she fought back to reach the French Open final in 2010. Her crowning achievement came in 2011 at Flushing Meadows, where she played a flawless match to defeat Serena Williams and claim the US Open, becoming the first Australian woman to win a major singles title in over three decades. She remained a stalwart for her country in Fed Cup competition for years, her career defined by quiet determination and physical power.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Samantha was born in 1984, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Samantha Was Born
The biggest hits of 1984
#1 Movie
Beverly Hills Cop
Best Picture
Amadeus
#1 TV Show
Dallas
Samantha's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1984Born
Apple Macintosh introduced
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $59,800Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"When Doves Cry" — PrinceBest Picture: Amadeus
1989Started school
Berlin Wall falls; Tiananmen Square protests
Gas: $1.00/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Look Away" — ChicagoBest Picture: Driving Miss Daisy
1997Became a teenager
Princess Diana dies in Paris car crash; Harry Potter published
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $104,100Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Candle in the Wind 1997" — Elton JohnBest Picture: Titanic
2000Could drive
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
2002Could vote
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2005Turned 21
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2014Turned 30
Russia annexes Crimea; Ebola outbreak in West Africa
Gas: $3.37/galHome: $160,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Happy" — Pharrell WilliamsBest Picture: Birdman
2024Turned 40
AI reshapes industries; Paris Olympics
Gas: $3.31/galHome: $372,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Espresso" — Sabrina CarpenterBest Picture: Anora
2026Age 42 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won the 2011 US Open singles title, defeating Serena Williams in the final.
- Achieved the world No. 1 ranking in doubles in 2006 and held it for 61 consecutive weeks.
- Reached the final of the French Open in singles in 2010, losing to Francesca Schiavone.
- Won two Grand Slam mixed doubles titles at the Australian Open (2005) and Wimbledon (2008, 2014).
- Held the position of top-ranked Australian women's singles player for 452 consecutive weeks.
Did You Know?
She is an accomplished beach volleyball player and considered pursuing it professionally before focusing on tennis.
Stosur's signature shot, her topspin forehand, was measured with more revolutions per minute than Rafael Nadal's at its peak.
She was diagnosed with Lyme disease in 2007, which caused a debilitating fatigue that sidelined her for months.
She has a black belt in taekwondo, which she earned as a child.
Stosur is one of the few players to have defeated Serena Williams in a Grand Slam final.
“I've always believed that if you put in the hard work, the results will come.”
