Sam's Just Not Slammin'

2010 was what most have claimed to be Samantha Stosur's breakthrough year on the women's tour, and for many reasons it was - a second career title and a fantastic performance at Roland Garros just falling short. 

Samantha Stosur

However, as much as last year was a breakthrough, 2011 represents a breakdown, at least for the first quarter.  Unable to string more than a few wins together at a time, Sam has lost many of her points that she racked up whilst wandering through the US tournaments in early 2010.  The loss of points has precipitated a loss of confidence and the old demons have returned - trouble closing matches out and struggling to pull a second idea out once the serve goes off.

As defending champion on the clay in Charleston, Sam was appearing a little more comfortable as she led Elena Vesnina 4-2 in the first set of their 3rd round match.  Then a procession of games lost - 10 of the next 11 in fact.

Hopefully the Australian number one can recapture the form that enabled her to stride the Paris clay with such authority last year.  I am going to be there this year to experience the French Open live, and it would be great to have an Aussie to cheer for in the second week in something other than doubles.