'One last time': Samantha Stosur to retire after Australian Open

WATCH: Stosur retired from singles after the 2022 Australian Open, but continued to play doubles throughout last season.

Australian stalwart Samantha Stosur will say goodbye to professional tennis at the Australian Open. The 38-year-old home favorite confirmed that she'll retire after competing at the year's first Grand Slam in a heartfelt Instagram post.

Stosur is making her 21st trip to Melbourne Park, and she'll compete in both women's and mixed doubles. A year ago, she played her last singles match at the tournament, but continued to play doubles throughout last year.

"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," Stosur wrote. "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."

A former singles world No. 4 and doubles world No. 1, Stosur captured eight Grand Slams among her 37 career WTA titles between singles and doubles. She famously stormed to the 2011 US Open singles title, where she stunned Serena Williams in the final, and owns seven other Grand Slam titles in women's and mixed doubles.

"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," she wrote. "I know I’m going to miss playing competitive tennis, all the amazing experiences and emotions that come with being on the tour, and doing what I’ve done for nearly my whole life.

"There are so many stand-out matches, some against legends of the sport, that make me look back and think how grateful I am for my career."

Many of Stosur's fellow Aussies, and other peers, flooded the comments of her Instagram post with well wishes.

"We’ve been so lucky to have you as an amazing role model and inspiration," wrote Storm Hunter, while American Asia Muhammad called her "such a legend."

Though she never match it past the fourth round at her home Grand Slam in singles, Stosur won the 2005 Australian Open mixed doubles title with fellow Aussie Scott Draper, and the 2019 women's doubles title with China'sZhang Shuai.

Stosur will partner France's Alizé Cornet and fellow Aussie Mattew Ebden, respectively, in her final Australian Open appearance.

"I’m looking forward to getting on the court one last time in front of my amazing fans, who are the reason I go out there and play the sport I love," she added, "and enjoying this wonderful ride one last time."