Sam Stosur bows out to Clijsters

Wed 8 Sep

Samantha Stosur's US Open campaign has come to an end with a three-set quarter-final loss to defending champion Kim Clijsters.

Australia's big hope failed to capitalise on a series of service breaks in the deciding set as Clijsters set up a semi-final against fellow former world No.1 Venus Williams with a nervy 6-4 5-7 6-3 victory.

The win was Clijsters's 19th in succession at Flushing Meadows as the Belgian remained on course for back-to-back Open titles following a 28-month hiatus to get married and start a family.

With Williams's late-running 7-6 (7-5) 6-4 quarter-final triumph over French Open champion Francesca Schiavone delaying the start of her match, Clijsters's daughter, Jada, was not at Arthur Ashe Stadium to witness her mother's latest win.

"I think right now Jada is back at the hotel and ready with the pyjamas on," Clijsters said.

Just as Stosur should have been tucked up under her doona on Moonday (EST), instead of being on court until 1.37am Monday seeing off Elena Dementieva, in the latest-finishing women's singles match in US Open history.

Stosur had complained of "feeling sleepy" following that historic encounter, the 26-year-old only making it to bed around 5am on Labor Day in America.

It was Clijsters, though, who came out looking jaded, the titleholder racking up a dozen unforced errors in the opening six games to quickly fall behind 4-2 in the opening set. - aap

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