Samantha Stosur broke through for her first Australian Open success since 2005 as she and close friend Zhang Shuai won the women’s doubles final on Friday.

Stosur and Zhang entered the tournament unseeded but were too good for second seeds Timea Babos and Kristina Mladenovic in the decider, winning 6-3 6-4.

The match lasted just 94 minutes and saw the defending champions beaten by a pairing who, as expected, received the majority of support from the Rod Laver Arena crowd.

Stosur’s singles campaign did not go to plan, knocked out in the first round, but she responded in the best possible way to claim silverware at Melbourne Park for just the second time.

The 34-year-old won the mixed doubles with fellow Australian Scott Draper in 2005 but lost the women’s doubles final one year later with American Lisa Raymond.

It would take 13 long years for her to return to a final at her home grand slam after she won the mixed doubles title with Scott Draper in 2005. But Stosur ensured that 2019 would be a year of celebration, combining with Zhang in a professional performance.

Crucial in the pair’s victory was their conversion of all three break points. Babos and Mladenovic, on the other hand, converted just one of a possible 11 break points.

And while there were some nervy moments for Stosur, like when she double-faulted on championship point, it was only a hiccup on the way to grand slam glory.

“In that moment, [I] kind of needed to laugh it off,” Stosur said.

“Had a match point, I double faulted. We just go with it … it’s amazing [to win].

“We are really great friends, best friends on tour. We spend a lot of time together practicing every week, wherever we’re at the same tournament.

“I think the friendship, the respect we have for each other is why we can then play so well together. It’s enjoyable. We have fun!”

Sam Stosur and doubles partner Zhang Shuai have their eyes on the prize during a mid-match strategy session. Photo: AAP/David Crosling

Zhang said that Stosur had talked her out of retiring from tennis three years ago and that she was “really” thankful to her friend for doing that.

More grand slam success could come Australia’s way on Saturday, too, with local pair Astra Sharma and John-Patrick Sharma featuring in the mixed doubles final.

They will face Czech player Barbora Krejcikova and American Rajeev Ram in the decider, which will be played after the women’s singles final.

And Dylan Alcott will contest the quad wheelchair singles decider as the 28-year-old aims for his fifth successive title.

He will take on American David Wagner in the showpiece occasion.

No Tsitsipas title, just … a souva

Swept up in Stefanos Tsitsipas’ run through the Australian Open, prominent Greek restaurant Stalactites – based in Melbourne’s CBD – promised to name a souvlaki after the tennis star.

Tsitsipas was thrashed by Rafael Nadal on Thursday night but the restaurant lived up to their pledge, announcing the ’Tsitsipas Souvlaki’ was now available to purchase.

The player had some input in the creation, Stalactites said, which retails at $16.

“We feel so proud of Stefanos’ achievements in the Australian Open and we are excited to create a souvlaki in his honour,” Stalactites managing director Nicole Papasavas said.

So, what is it in it?

“Lamb, tomato, tzatziki, fresh pomegranate, fresh basil and mint, crumbed feta, chips and a touch of chilli.”

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Pat Cash’s big day …

Aussie tennis legend Pat Cash’s career will be celebrated on Saturday at the Australian Open’s annual tennis lunch.

A host of star names from all over the globe will convene on Melbourne’s Grand Hyatt Hotel for the event.

Topping the guest list is Rod Laver and Evonne Goolagong Cawley, with Ken Rosewall, Martina Navratilova, Pat Rafter, Mats Wilander, Kim Clijsters and Henri Laconte in attendance, too.