It’s Saturday afternoon. US Open, and I’m as glued to my TV as I’ve been in a long time! Melanie Oudin, the feisty 17-year old from Marietta, Georgia, just took the second set 6-4 after a couple of grueling games. This is US Open as we love it – two tough competitors, and a youngster with remarkable talent and determination.
You go girl!
Ranked 70th coming into the Open, though the spunky teen had performed admirably at Wimbledon, who would’ve expected her to take down top-seeded players like Dementieva?
Put Oudin’s much smaller frame up against Maria Sharapova’s 6’2″ lanky body and Oudin’s play is even more impressive. Clearly Sharapova has the edge in terms of body type and experience, but Oudin believes she can do it. And she’s going for it!
Phenomenal points
Whatever the outcome of today’s match, there’s no question that we’ve seen some phenomenal points, and that tennis isn’t always about a particular game or body type. Technique, mental toughness, competitive spirit, speed, and heart – it shows that grit and talent in any package can take you far! 
As I’ve written this – Oudin has continued to power and move her way through the third set, now up, 3-1. I’m a Sharapova fan, but I’m loving this match. Oudin believes? Guess what? So do I!
YES!!!
5:08pm and Melanie Oudin just took it in a long haul in such a tight match, and the crowd is on their feet! Such composure and competitive spirit, and the final score – 3-6, 6-4, 7-5 – more than 2 and a half hours.
Fantastic!! Oudin advances to the fourth round! Inspiring for us all!
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Melanie Oudin, you are a great ball striker!
I used to love one of your heroes, Justine Henin-Hardenne from Belgium. She exemplified how technique and mental toughness can be a formula for winning, despite physical size.
You have taken the torch and are becoming a hero to many younger players, if you are not already.
Congratulations and good luck in the next round!