'Absolutely in love': Sam Stosur's 'amazing' baby announcement

Aussie tennis champion Sam Stosur is a mother for the first time, announcing partner Liz Astling gave birth to a baby girl last month.

The 36-year-old took to Instagram on Monday night to share the amazing news.

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Stosur said she and Astling welcomed baby Genevieve into the world on June 16.

“Life in lockdown during coronavirus has been challenging in many ways but personally it's been one of the most exciting and happy times of my life,” Stosur wrote.

“It has been a whirlwind time but we could not imagine life without her now.

“Mum and Evie are doing well and it's so amazing to be home with them both.

“We are absolutely in love with this little bundle and rolling with the happy chaos.

“We can't wait for what's to come and to watch little Evie grow up....Although not too quickly we hope.”

Stosur has rarely spoken publicly about her relationship with Astling, but thanked her partner after winning the Spirit of Tennis Award at the Newcombe Medal night in 2019.

“To my Mum, Dad, … and my partner Liz, you have given me the love, support and every opportunity to pursue my dream and I’ll be forever grateful,” she wrote on social media at the time.

Sporting world celebrates Sam Stosur news

Her wonderful announcement sparked a flood of congratulatory messages.

“Congratulations Sam and Liz on the safe arrival of beautiful Evie, with love from the tennis family,” Tennis Australia wrote on Instagram.

Sports reporter Nat Edwards wrote: “Awesome news!!! Side note for those who know I’m a massive Stosur fan — our babies have the same name.”

Retired Aussie tennis player Casey Dellacqua wrote: “Can’t wait to meet you Evie.”

While Aussie tennis legend Todd Woodbridge commented: “Such brilliant news, congrats Sam and Liz and welcome to the world Evie.”

Sam Stosur planning for retirement?

Stosur, who won the US Open in 2011 and has six grand slam doubles titles to her name, including last year's Australian Open in partnership with China's Zhang Shuai, is currently 97th in the world rankings.

Stosur has given no indication if she will be returning to tennis when events resume on August 1 for the first time since the season was put on hold in March due to the coronavirus pandemic.

However she claimed she wasn’t thinking about retirement after the Australian Open in January.

“I want to keep playing, no doubt,” the 36-year-old said.

“I guess my ranking is going to see where that allows me to keep playing.

“If I can win matches and do the things that I think I’m still capable of, then hopefully I’m still in the main draw of grand slams and having another shot.”

with AAP