Sep 3, 2009 11:47 am US/Pacific
American Teen Makes Huge Upset At U.S. Open
NEW YORK (AP) ―
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Melanie Oudin returns a shot against Elena Dementieva of Russia during day four of the 2009 U.S. Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on Sept. 3, 2009, in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City.
Al Bello/Getty Images
The future looks bright for Melanie Oudin. Maybe for American tennis, too. Blinking back tears and ignoring the pain, the 17-year-old Georgian pulled off the biggest upset so far at the U.S. Open on Thursday, a 5-7, 6-4, 6-3 victory over No. 4 Elena Dementieva.
The win was a nice bookend to go along with a victory over No. 6 Jelena Jankovic at Wimbledon, where Oudin became the youngest player to make the fourth round since Jennifer Capriati in 1993.
Oudin played most of the third set with a heavy wrap on her left thigh, an injury that briefly reduced her to tears as she headed to the baseline to serve. But the day ended with a loud shriek when she painted the corner with her serve on her third match point at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
She could very well be booked there again later this week: Her next match will be against 29th-seeded Maria Sharapova or Christina McHale, another 17-year-old American.
"I don't even know what to say right now," Oudin said. "I'm so excited. You have no idea."
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