Australian tennis champion Sam Stosur has officially announced that she and her partner, Liz Astling, are expecting their second child. The exciting news was revealed on April 5, 2025, when the 41-year-old retired tennis star took to social media to share a short video featuring herself with a pram and a portable baby bassinet. In the clip, Stosur humorously captioned, "Time to dust off the baby gear," while playfully using a feather duster. Stosur expressed her joy in the post, stating, "We’re so excited for the new addition to our family 👶🏻❤️ It’s my turn this time🤰🏻😜."
Stosur and Astling are already parents to their four-year-old daughter, Genevieve, who was born in 2020. On that occasion, it was Astling who gave birth to their first child. The announcement of their expanding family has been met with overwhelming support from friends, fans, and fellow tennis stars.
Among those congratulating Stosur was Australian Paralympic swimming legend Ellie Cole, who commented, "This is amazing ❤️🙌." Tennis great Nicole Bradtke also chimed in, saying, "So happy for you Sam, hope you're feeling okay 😬 Being a mum is the best ♥️." Aussie doubles legend Todd Woodbridge expressed his excitement with, "Such awesome news Sam, congrats to you and Liz ❤️❤️," while Casey Dellacqua added a string of love heart emojis to her message. Olympic gold medallist Matt Ebden and retired US tennis star Lisa Raymond also extended their congratulations, with Raymond saying, "Congratulations Sammy! So happy for you guys 🙏❤️."
Stosur's announcement comes after her retirement from professional tennis in 2023, marking the end of a remarkable career that saw her achieve significant milestones. She is particularly known for winning the US Open in 2011, where she triumphed over the legendary Serena Williams, and for being the runner-up at the French Open in 2010. Stosur also excelled in doubles, clinching titles at the Australian Open in 2019, the French Open in 2006, and the US Open twice, in 2005 and 2021.
Reflecting on her journey into motherhood, Stosur has previously shared her thoughts on how the experience has been transformative. During the pandemic, she noted that being at home with her newborn daughter during the lockdowns allowed her to bond with Genevieve in ways she might have missed if she were traveling for tournaments. "Even the tougher times don't seem that bad when you just look at her little face and you just want to cuddle her and hold her all day long. It's absolutely incredible," Stosur remarked about her experience as a new mother.
As she prepares for the arrival of her second child, Stosur's friends and followers continue to rally around her, celebrating not only her past achievements on the court but also her new adventures in motherhood. The tennis community has shown incredible support, with many expressing their excitement for Stosur and Astling as they embark on this new chapter in their lives.
Stosur's career has been nothing short of extraordinary. She is the only Australian woman since the legendary Evonne Goolagong Cawley to claim major titles in singles, doubles, and mixed doubles across all forms of the professional game. Her on-court career came to an emotional conclusion in 2023 after a first-round Australian Open mixed doubles loss with Mathew Ebden.
In addition to her singles and doubles successes, Stosur spent an impressive 61 weeks ranked at the top of the doubles rankings during her career, a testament to her skill and dedication to the sport. Her achievements have solidified her place among the greats in Australian tennis history.
As Stosur looks forward to welcoming another child into her family, she embodies the spirit of resilience and joy that has characterized both her sporting career and her personal life. Fans and fellow athletes alike are eager to see how she navigates this new journey while continuing to inspire others with her story.
Stosur's announcement not only highlights her personal joy but also serves as a reminder of the importance of family and support within the sports community. As she embarks on this new chapter, the tennis world will undoubtedly continue to cheer her on, celebrating her successes both on and off the court.
With the excitement of a new baby on the way, Stosur and Astling are set to embrace the joys and challenges of parenthood once again. The couple's journey through parenthood has already been filled with love and laughter, and this next step promises to bring even more happiness into their lives.
As the news spreads, many are left wondering how Stosur will balance her growing family with her future endeavors. However, if her past is any indication, she will approach this new challenge with the same determination and grace that defined her tennis career.
In the coming months, fans can expect to see more updates from Stosur as she shares her experiences and the joys of motherhood with her followers. As she prepares for the arrival of her second child, the excitement and anticipation are palpable among her supporters, who eagerly await the next chapter in her remarkable story.
