Melanie Oudin: Why She's Primed for Another Cinderella U.S. Open Run
Melanie Oudin burst onto the scene last August in New York when she entered the U.S. Open unknown and left as a household name.
The exciting run to the Quarterfinals a year ago makes Oudin's return to Arthur Ashe Stadium a huge storyline, even though she has endured a horrendous 2010 season.
Monday, Oudin advanced by defeating qualifier Olga Savchuk of the Ukraine 6-3, 6-0 and seemed to recapture a bit of the fire that made her a crowd favorite last August.
The road will certainly get tougher after Monday, but here are 10 reasons why Melanie Oudin could erase the memories of her failed season by advancing deep into the tournament.
No. 10: One More Chance
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For a myriad of reasons, Oudin has been absolutely awful on tour after ending last year with a bang. Now, she has a chance to at least save a season spent searching for answers and inspiration. She hasn't won since April and has battled inconsistent play all season.
The Open will be her last chance to validate her place among the youngest stars on the WTA circuit.
No. 9: No Pressure
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Tennis fans got more than they bargained for from Oudin last year in Flushing. She exceeded all expectations at the World No. 70 and pulled off several thrilling comebacks to advance, including three consecutive rallies against Elena Dementieva, Maria Sharapova and Nadia Petrova.
Now, despite being ranked as the World No. 43, there is much less pressure on her to repeat given her poor play on tour.
That might be just what she needs to make a deep run.
No. 8: Recapture The Magic
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There wasn't a more inspirational story than Oudin's unlikely rise to fame last season, and the place where it all began could provide more magic in 2010.
From a less abstract point of view, Oudin should be able to utilize her lethal speed on the hard court against what is a somewhat weak U.S. Open field.
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No. 7: The People's Champ
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There might not be much pressure on Oudin to win the 2010 U.S. Open, but that doesn't mean that the fans wouldn't love to see the kid from Georgia make another long run.
Nicknamed "Little Road Runner" by analyst John McEnroe during her performance last year, the 5'6" Oudin became an instant celebrity in New York last season.
There's no question that tennis fans would love for a similar story to emerge in what could be a less than compelling US Open tournament.
No. 6: Justine Henin and Serena Williams Aren't Playing
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The U.S. Open field is light on star power and heavy on injuries this year.
Justine Henin and Serena Williams are absent from the field, and tournament favorites Kim Clijsters and Venus Williams have been dealing with injuries all season.
The U.S. Open could turn into a battle of attrition, which figures to give players like the spunky Oudin a big advantage.
No. 5: The Field Is Wide, Wide Open
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Without Henin or Williams, there is no clear favorite to win the U.S. Open.
Clijsters won last year after returning from time away from the game and claims her hip injury is no longer an issue. Clijsters is considered the favorite, along with Maria Sharapova and Venus Williams.
Top-overall seed Caroline Wozniacki certainly isn't considered a clear favorite, and Williams appears to have a very tough draw.
That certainly doesn't mean Oudin will rise to the top, but it could open the door for a long run.
No. 4: Throw Away The Numbers
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It's not easy to ignore the ugly numbers, but it can be done.
Oudin's match record is just 18-24 since her U.S. Open run last year and she hasn't won consecutive matches since April.
Although she has struggled with being in the spotlight this year, Oudin appears to have the strong mental toughness that will allow her to overlook her shortcomings.
No. 3: Won't Be Overwhelmed In The Limelight
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By now, Oudin should be used to the spotlight. The attention surrounding her game, as lackluster as it has been, demonstrates that she is a huge story.
Now, she gets another chance to shine under the lights with the tennis world watching, and wishing, for her success.
If Oudin makes a run, she is likely to remain in the limelight for the long haul with public appearances and endorsement deals to follow.
No. 2: Speed Wins at The Open
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Oudin's speed makes her a delight to watch and a difficult out for opponents. It won't save her against all comers, but with the absence of some of the heavy hitters it could be enough to survive the first week and at least end the season on somewhat of a positive note.
The biggest question to her game centers around her confidence and ability to overcome her mediocre serve.
No. 1:
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The inscription on her sneakers was a signature aspect of Oudin's run in 2009. With the word "belief" on her shoes, Oudin believed in herself and defeated four heavily-favored opponents to storm onto the scene.
This year, she has written "courage" in an effort to face her year of failure and write a new chapter in her legacy in Flushing.
Despite her shortcomings, Oudin's words and actions suggest she is finally comfortable in the spotlight and is confident enough to redeem herself by at least surviving the first week.
There are plenty of reasons to believe history might repeat itself again this year at the U.S. Open.
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