France falls in love with Australia's underdog Rolland Garros finalist Stosur

Paris, June 4(ANI): In the absence of any of French player at the Rolland Garros's women's singles final, the nation has embraced Australian tennis ace Samantha Stosur as one of their own.

Since Stosur defeated four-time champion Justine Henin and World No. 1 Serena Williams, France has been abuzz with the news of the young Australian's ascent.

"We love surprises in sport, just like we do in politics, so French people want to see this Australian girl from an exotic country win. It's really pleasing for the French, especially when she managed to beat an American, as the Williams sisters are seen as quite arrogant in France," The Daily Telegraph quoted Maxime Rabechault, a French tennis expert, as saying.

"The French psychology is to support the unknown small players. Not so many people know exactly who Sam Stosur is, but many want her to win," Rabechault added.

Meanwhile, Melbourne expat Sam Davies said that he was shocked at the sudden turnaround in support for Stosur from France.

"Three days ago no one seemed to know about her. I saw her play doubles on Sunday. She was playing on an outside court that was half empty and we all had to guess which one of the four she was," Davies said.

"No one knew her. But since beating Henin, her profile has definitely grown. The fact that she has stuck it to both a Belgian, and then an American, means that French people are already right behind her," he added. (ANI)