Sydney, Sept 25(ANI): Australian tennis star Samantha Stosur, who won the US Open earlier this month, reckons that her recovery period from a series of illnesses gave her a "second chance" at tennis, as it strengthened her goal of winning a grand-slam singles title.
"It was a long, slow process, but it gave me the chance to re-evaluate my goals and leave no stone unturned to achieve them," she said.
Stosur had to stay out of tennis for almost a year due to series of illnesses, including Lyme disease and viral meningitis at the age of 23, when she was yet to make a mark as a successful singles player.
The 27-year-old undergoes training for up to three hours every day on six days a week, including Christmas Days. Before a competition, she does at least 90 minutes of on-court practice and an hour-long fitness training session.
"To achieve grand-slam success has been my goal since I was eight years old. It's easy to doubt your ability sometimes as it's a long journey. I've always worked hard to become the best player I can be, and to believe in myself," she added.
Illness also changed Stosur's attitude to happiness.
"When all of a sudden you can't do what you love, it gives you a new appreciation for the everyday things. I really do enjoy every single day now," she said.
Stosur further believes that her age is an asset to her game.
"The game is a lot more physical now and there aren't as many teenagers dominating the way they did a few years ago. A bit of maturity probably helps you deal with all the travel and the tour lifestyle as well," she said.
She said tennis has imparted the biggest lesson to "be respectful, friendly and nice to people."(ANI)
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