An American woman — not a Williams — making the quarterfinals of a Grand Slam was unheard of in recent times. Till the US Open this year, that is.
Melanie Oudin, a rank outsider, going into Flushing Meadows as world No.70, garnered attention with her never-say-die attitude. Against all odds, she showed tons of spunk while slaying Russian after Russian on her way to maiden quarterfinal appearance.
She eventually lost to Caroline Wozniacki but won many a heart. The 18-year-old gave the Americans a new sporting idol, a new reason to watch tennis. “This year has been pretty unbelievable. Now I am ranked in the top 50. I enjoyed the ride; it has been a lot of fun,” the 18-year old told DNA.
Oudin’s fantastic run at the US Open was pre-defined by her coach. When the draw was announced, Brian de Villiers had told her that she will have to beat six Russians and a Williams to win the title. Oudin did half the job, beating the Russian pack.
In the first round, she beat Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova in straight sets. Next was the big fish, the then world No.5 Elena Dementieva. It was then the turn of Maria Sharapova. The glamour girl felt the heat of the effervescent teen who was 8 inches shorter than the tall blonde. Nadia Petrova’s fate was no different and Oudin became the youngest woman to reach the US Open quarterfinals since Serena Williams in 1999.
Asked who was the most difficult opponent of all US Open victims, Oudin was quick to give due respect to all her opponents. “They belong to the world’s elite but it’s good to let them know that this is where I belong,” Oudin, a big fan of former world No.1 Belgian Justine Henin, said.
Touted to be the next big thing in the US and in world tennis, Oudin is shaping up well. “To be mentioned on the same page with them is an honour for me.”
She was effusive in her praise about the Williams sisters. “It is remarkable what they have
achieved in their careers and even more important, what they have done for the sport,” said Oudin.
She took up the sport with twin sister Katherine on her grandmother’s request. Since her exploits at Flushing Meadows, life has taken a new turn. “I probably will never know what I would have done if she hadn’t given us those rackets. I’d be going to prom, or preparing to go to college now,” said Oudin.
To focus more on her game, Oudin has been home-schooled since 13. “I sometimes miss the entire high-school experience that my sister Katherine has but I am happy with what I do.”
At 5-foot-6, Oudin’s strength lies in her solid groundstrokes, more so while counter-punching. Her court craft with small, squeaky steps gives one an impression that she is a veteran on the tennis court.
With age by her side, she has a lot of time to iron out her problems with the service and unforced errors. This year, Oudin also made debut for the US, playing in the Fed Cup. US were thrashed 0-4 by Italy but Oudin was thrilled. “It was my childhood dream to represent my country, Fed Cup was an amazing experience,” she signed off.
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