• US Open

Defending champion Stosur not feeling the heat

ESPN staff
August 26, 2012
Sam Stosur and Novak Djokovic are the defending US Open champions © Getty Images
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Sam Stosur insists she is feeling no extra pressure as she prepares to defend her US Open title.

The Australian produced one of the performances of her career as she stunned red-hot favourite Serena Williams in straight sets to land only her third career title at Flushing Meadows last year.

But despite failing to land any silverware since her victory in New York 12 months ago, Stosur is adamant her win was no fluke.

"I think even if I don't win the tournament I don't think it was a fluke anyway," Stosur said. "It was one of those things, of course you want to come back and do just as well as the year before."

Stosur has seemingly struggled to deal with the increased pressure that comes with being a grand slam champion, falling in the first round of her home slam at the Australian Open earlier this year, but she insists a favourite's tag is worthless in the early stages of the tournament.

"It's fine whether you're talked of being the favourite or not," she said. "At this point of time during the tournament I think it doesn't really matter. Everyone is starting from scratch at the moment, and obviously things become clearer as the weeks go on."

Stosur begins her US Open campaign against Croatia's Petra Martic on Monday, when she kicks off proceedings on Arthur Ashe Stadium.

Stosur will be followed onto court by British No. 1 Andy Murray for his first-round clash against Alex Bogomolov Jr, while top seed Roger Federer is in action later on Monday.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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