It is a great week for Australian Tennis with Samantha Stosur charging her way into the final 8 of the French Open at Roland Garros. It has been a lean time for Australian tennis, especially for the girls, but Sam is giving us plenty to cheer about.

Australia has a rich tennis history. Rod Laver and Margaret Court were our two best but we have also had plenty of other champions. Ken Rosewall, Tony Roach, John Newcomb and Evonne Goolagong-Cawley were also fantastic players who proudly waved the flag for Australia. In the last 30 years the game has become globally competitive and we have struggled since those early glory years.

Pat Cash won his way into our hearts when he won Wimbledon and was the first to famously climb up through the stands to embrace his entourage. Since then we had Pat Rafter who won two US Opens and nearly won the crown at Wimbledon. Pat was an all round Aussie bloke and he was adored by the entire country.

Unfortunately our current crop of players has not been up to scratch apart from Lleyton Hewitt. Unlike Rafter, Hewitt has had a love/hate relationship with Australian tennis fans with many viewing him as annoying and arrogant. Love or hate him, you have to admire him. He is certainly past his best but we shouldn’t forget that his best did win him Grand Slam Titles and took him to Number 1 in the world.

Australian women’s tennis has been desperate for a star for some time. We have had a few that have shown glimpses of ability but we haven’t had a star. That is why Sam Stosur’s run at the French Open is so important, and no one could question how hard Sam has worked to get to this moment.

Remember that 888Sport is committed to running competitive markets on all major tennis games and tournaments. Tennis bets are being taken. Who will win this year’s crown at the French Open? With the Ladies draw wide open and Nadal gone in the men’s there should be some excellent value for the astute punter.