SAM’S HERO

STOSUR BACKS RISING STAR

THE Barty bandwagon now includes the rest of her Fed Cup team ahead of Australia’s date with tennis destiny.

As Australia chases their first Fed Cup final in 26 years against Belarus, Gold Coast’s Sam Stosur unashamedly admits her squad will lean on the form of top gun Ash Barty when the semi-final tie starts in Brisbane on Saturday.

Barty this month won the Miami Open – a $1.83million payday Stosur dubbed the biggest event outside of the grand slams – to surge to world No.9.

Stosur, the 2011 US Open champion now ranked No.78, says 22-year-old Barty provides a reassuring safety net for the whole Aussie group.

“Coming off her win in Miami was incredible – that’s as big as it gets outside of the slams,” Stosur, 35, said.

“I’m sure she’s confident.

“The rest of our team will try to ride off Ash’s back and how well she is playing.

“To have someone like her leading the way for us is great.”

Stosur only arrived in Brisbane on Monday and says the impetus of a home tie adds a layer of excitement.

“It’s always exciting to be playing at home,” she said.

“I grew up playing many tournaments in Brisbane.

“I feel like I’m playing pretty well at the moment.

“The Fed Cup can certainly bring out the best in me.”

While Stosur’s legacy includes a grand slam, leading Australia out of the Fed Cup wilderness remains an enticing prospect in the twilight of her career.

“We would love to be in the final – it’s been many years since we have been in a Fed Cup final,” Stosur (right) said.

“We have been in this position a few times in recent years ... so we will try and go one better this year.

“Obviously (a Fed Cup win would be) very high (in my achievements).

“It would be amazing if we could do it this year.

“But it’s hard to say because we are still a fair way from doing that.”