NEW YORK — For years American women’s tennis has been dominated by the larger-than-life figures of Venus and Serena Williams.
Now a 5-foot-6, blond 17-year-old from Marietta, Ga., wearing customized yellow and purple sneakers adorned with the word ‘believe’ has suddenly forced her way into the conversation.
Despite playing with a strained illitibiol band in her left leg, Melanie Oudin pulled off the biggest upset of this U.S. Open by defeating No. 4 seed Elena Dementieva, 5-7, 6-4, 6-3 on a beautiful sun-splashed afternoon in Arthur Ashe Stadium.
If she continues with her solid play, as demonstrated today and at Wimbeldon, and friendly disposition, she has a chance to be very marketable.