Tennis icon Sam Stosur will call time on her distinguished career after competing in the Australian Open for the 21st time.

The Aussie star, who conquered Serena Williams in the 2011 US Open, made an emotional announcement on Saturday.

“I’m so excited to be back at Melbourne Park playing in my 21st Australian Open, but it’s with mixed feelings that I also share with you that this will be my last tournament,” she wrote on Instagram.

“I feel so happy and grateful to have the opportunity to finish playing at my favourite slam – my home slam – in front of my Aussie fans, friends and family.

“Even though I’ve made the decision to retire from the sport I absolutely love, a small part of me would be happy to keep playing forever.”

Stosur said the mixed doubles with Matt Ebden and the women’s event alongside Alize Cornet at Melbourne Park would be her final shows over the next fortnight.

In an interview with The Age and Sydney Morning Herald, Stosur said she kept crying “every time I’m talking about it”.

“I think it’s going to be a bit of a different situation.”

The 38-year-old’s excellence has spanned generations, Stosur also the owner of seven mixed and women’s major titles since 2005 to go with her US singles crown.

The former world No.4 was also dominant on the French clay; four times reaching the final four, including a loss in the 2010 decider.

She also made quarter-finals in the years either side of her US Open triumph.

“I want to say a huge thank you to my incredible parents Dianne and Tony, my brothers Dominic and Daniel, my partner Liz and daughter Evie, and all the coaches, physios, trainers, doctors, and all my sponsors over the years,” her announcement continued on Instagram.

“There are many others who have helped and supported me behind the scenes and around the world. You know who you are, I hope you know I couldn’t have done it without you, and I will thank you all in person.”

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