Wrist injury blights Stosur’s French Open preparation

Samantha Stosur’s damaged left wrist has stopped Australia’s top-ranked female star from using her backhand, but she remains unconcerned about the effect it will have on her French Open prospects.

Stosur was upbeat on Saturday about her fitness ahead of her first-round clash with Japan’s Misaki Doi on Monday night AEST but admitted that the injury which forced her to abandon a title defence in Strasbourg last week was still troubling her.

“It feels better than the last few days but I still didn’t hit backhands in practice (on Saturday),” said Stosur, who believes the injury occurred during a jarring volley during a previous match.

“I’ll do that (on Sunday) and hopefully it will be fine. I’ve done all I can.

“I’m not stressing out about it. I’ve had worse things going into Roland Garros tournaments in the past.

“Until I hit with it tomorrow you don’t really know for sure but I’ve done all I can and thankfully I’ve got a decent sized backhand.”

Australia’s most accomplished clay-courter has landed dangerous floater Doi for her opening match at Roland Garros this week, and would likely have to go through last year’s runner up Lucie Safarova and sixth seed Simona Halep to reach the quarter-finals.

Stosur has won both matches with Doi, and while the pair have not played since 2013 she knows full well what to expect from the world No.38.

“No matter who you’re playing in the first round, you’ve got to be on your game and be ready,” Stosur said.

“First rounds in slams especially are always a bit nerve-wracking.

“You’ve got to be prepared to work hard, play well and don’t take anything lightly especially someone who is obviously capable of playing well and has had decent form in the past week or so.”