Barty can beat anyone on clay: Stosur
Samantha Stosur has urged compatriot Ashleigh Barty to back herself on clay as the Australian eyes a French Open quarter-final berth.
The 23-year-old has emerged as a top chance in Paris, with defending champion Simona Halep the only higher-ranked player left in her path to a maiden grand slam final.
Barty tuned up with a three-set win alongside Victoria Azarenka in the doubles second round on Sunday, having made the final in 2017.
The Australian will play American Sofia Kenin in Monday's fourth round after the 20-year-old was fearless in ousting countrywoman Serena Williams.
Veteran Stosur has carved out a sterling career on the slower surface, reaching one final and three more semis at Roland Garros.
Like Barty she grew up on hard and grass courts, both of which present entirely different challenges to the red dirt of Paris.
But she eventually flourished on the once-foreign surface and believes world No.8 Barty has the game to do it too.
"Ash is a very good player and as the years are going on she's realising she can play on any surface," Stosur, who lost in the second round, said.
"Maybe a few years ago it was bit of a 'whatever, we'll see how it goes, I'm looking forward to the grass'.
"But now it's like 'you're top 10, you can threaten anywhere'."
Kenin's defeat of Williams came on a dramatic Saturday at Roland Garros that also saw world No.1 Naomi Osaka - the winner of the last two majors - depart.
No Australian has won a French Open since Margaret Court claimed her fifth in 1973.
Former world No.4 Stosur has been close four times and is daring to dream for her young Fed Cup partner.
"I'd like to think she's got a very good chance," she said.
"We all know how well Ash can play - if she keeps believing in herself, why not."
