Sam Stosur's grit and determination to bounce back from a tough loss at the Fed Cup shows her never give up attitude.
The former US Open Champion Easter Sunday went from disappointment to glee after losing her reverse singles match to Victoria Azarenka in straight sets.
It wasn't an easy loss to overcome.
The result meant a fifth and final rubber, the second consecutive one Australia has had to face.
Stosur had just half an hour to prepare herself physically and mentally for a doubles rubber which would determine whether Australia or Belarus made the final.
However, there was no stopping the combination of Ash Barty and Stosur, with the pair putting on an exceptional performance in front of over 4,000 spectators to put Australia into the final for the first time in 26 years.
The moment that sealed it for Australia 🇦🇺
— Fed Cup (@FedCup) April 21, 2019
What a performance from @ashbar96 & @bambamsam30 👏#FedCup #AUSBLR pic.twitter.com/wKymhzAZ9g
In a press conference after the victory, Stosur allowed herself to have a moment as she sat down in front of media with tears welling in her eyes.
"Don't get me started," she laughed.
"See what a tennis match can do," Molik injected.
"I'm obviously very, very happy. It was super exciting," Stosur said.
"Obviously the singles didn't go the way I wanted it to, but to bounce back in 30 minutes and then come out and play as well as what we did, together and with the team supporting us, that was just an incredible feeling. Amazing."
Stosur was a clas-acted through the doubles and showed by she is one of the best Australia have in that format.
The 35-year-old has achieved a great deal during her career including holding the world No.1 position for 61 weeks but there is something special about making a Fed Cup final.
What made it more special was playing in front of a Queensland crowd, a state where she was a born and eventually grew up.
Doubles partner Barty, who is from Ipswich, said it was an unreal experience.
"Oh, I think for both of us, it's unreal," Barty said.
"Obviously we've had some really good memories here in Brisbane some tough ones too but the way that we went about that doubles match was pretty special."
Australia will face France at home in November after they beat Romania 3-2 overnight.
While the venue is yet to be decided, Stosur is excited to be back on home soil in seven months time.
"Playing in Australia, we know the final's going to be here, so that's just the best feeling ever," she said.
"We just can't wait for November to come around."
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