US Open champion Samantha Stosur believes it is time for her to really shine in an Australian summer tennis season.
Stosur begins her Australian Open build-up next week when she headlines her home tournament as the top seed at the Brisbane International.
The world number six has played Brisbane twice but never made it to the quarter-finals, while her best result at the Australian Open is fourth-round finishes in 2006 and 2010.
But Stosur said her dramatic US Open final triumph over Serena Williams in September showed her ability to thrive under pressure continued to improve as she gained experience.
And she felt better prepared than ever to cope with the high expectations of home fans while playing in Australia.
"It would be nice to continue along the way that I finished 2011," she said.
"I'd love to start the year well here in Australia.
"I've never had a great summer here so hopefully I can turn it all around in 2012."
Jelena Dokic was the last Australian to make the quarter-finals at the Australian Open, back in 2009, but Stosur felt she was now better equipped to handle the pressure.
"It's one of those things that the more you experience it, the better you get with dealing with it," she said.
"The last few years have got a bit bigger (pressure) each time and I know this year will be even more than any other time, but I'm looking forward to that challenge."
AAP
Tags: sport, other-sports, tennis, australia, qld, brisbane-4000 First posted December 30, 2011 14:57:04
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