U.S. player Melanie Oudin is generating media buzz after beating top-quality players including Elena Dementieva, Maria Sharapova and Nadia Petrova and advancing to the quarterfinals at the U.S. Open tournament.
Oudin has sports critics wondering whether she will revive the American tennis. Since 2002, no U.S. woman apart from the Williams sisters has won a major tournament.
I know that I can compete with the best in the world now, and I will know that forever, Oudin said, according to USA Today.
Oudin, 17 a native of Georgia, is living her dream, her sister Katherine said according to the paper.
Oudin is scheduled to play the quarterfinals on Wednesday versus 9th seeded Caroline Wozniacki from Denmark at 7:00 p.m. EST. The game will be broadcasted live at the U.S. Open website.
Melanie Oudin of the U.S. hits a return to Nadia Petrova of Russia during their match at the U.S. Open tennis championship in New York, September 7, 2009. REUTERS/Peter Jones (UNITED STATES SPORT TENNIS)
Melanie Oudin of the U.S. wears shoes bearing the message BELIEVE while serving to Nadia Petrova of Russia during their match at the U.S. Open tennis championship in New York, September 7, 2009. REUTERS/David Gray (UNITED STATES SPORT TENNIS)
Melanie Oudin of the U.S. reacts while playing Nadia Petrova of Russia at the U.S. Open tennis championship in New York, September 7, 2009. REUTERS/David Gray (UNITED STATES SPORT TENNIS)
Melanie Oudin of the U.S. celebrates her win over Nadia Petrova of the U.S. during their match at the U.S. Open tennis championship in New York, September 7, 2009. REUTERS/David Gray (UNITED STATES SPORT TENNIS IMAGES OF THE DAY)
Melanie Oudin (L) of the U.S. shakes hands with Nadia Petrova of Russia after their match at the U.S. Open tennis championship in New York, September 7, 2009. Oudin defeated Petrova. REUTERS/Peter Jones (UNITED STATES SPORT TENNIS)