Last summer, 18-year-old Melanie Oudin made a big splash onto the tennis scene, ousting three seeded Russian players at the U.S. Open, and making it to the quarterfinals. Since then, Melanie has struggled with her game, and is still learning how to manage life on the Tour. Currently ranked at No. 53, Melanie Oudin is working hard to get back into winning form.
This weekend, Melanie will be making her third appearance on the U.S. Fed Cup squad, and is looking to have a positive impact when she and her teammates take on France in the first round tie. She will be joined by fellow Americans, Shenay Perry, Bethanie Mattek-Sands and No. 1 doubles player, Liezel Huber.
I recently caught up with Melanie to ask her about life on the Tour, her favorite ways to relax, and her goals for 2010.
What has been the hardest thing to get used to on the Tour?
I think that traveling is pretty harsh on all athletes. I had been traveling over 28 weeks last year, so I think that being jet lagged, or having to adjust to a different environment is almost a given to me, but I still find it hard sometimes. I also miss my family when I travel, but in order to achieve success, one has to sacrifice.
How much do you practice during any given day?
I usually practice tennis twice a day, but I also do cardio, weightlifting, or cross training as well. It’s usually about 6-8 hours each day.
Have any players given you advice about life on the Tour? If so, which players and what type of advice have they given?
The best advice I was ever given actually did not come from a player but from my parents. They always told me to be able to walk away holding my head high and without having any regrets, no matter what I do. And to also believe in myself. This has become my personal creed.
What is your favorite way to relax off-court with friends and family?
I like hanging out with my two sisters; we often go shopping or to the movies. I like doing things that every 18-year-old teenage girl does in her free time, I just get less of it.
What are some of your goals for 2010?
I would like to improve my game, and when that happens, I will be able to reach my goals. I would naturally love to crack the Top 50 in a few weeks time, and I would also love to experience the thrill of being in the quarters of a Grand Slam again.
Paula Vergara is a freelance tennis journalist, covering the WTA and ATP tours. Paula’s publishing credits include On the Baseline Tennis News, Tennis.com, USTA New England Magazine, and Bob Larson’s Tennis News. Paula is also a member of the United States Tennis Writers’ Association. To view her work, visit www.paula-vergara.blogspot.com.
Great interview, Paula!
Melanie definitely has a bright future, but I wonder if her struggle since the USO is partially due to the hype built around her. America’s been looking for another great star and the pressure has been placed squarely on Oudin’s young shoulders.
Looking forward to watching her grow, mature, and hopefully, develop into a solid and consistent force on the women’s Tour.
Without question, the media pressure has had a negative impact on Melanie. In a video on her web site, Melanie talked about her experience at the US Open: “It happened so fast, that I didn’t get a chance to learn how to handle anything. It was just so overwhelming.”
I know Melanie’s at a temporary plateau – but I feel that bigger things are in store for her…It’ll be huge if she can build on her strong Fed Cup effort against France.
@TheFanChild, by temporary plateau do you mean artifical high?
6-8 hrs training…… that’s what it takes to be a pro on the womens tour. So I don’t wanna hear anyone say these girls are just swimsuits. You have top be an athlete to get there and stay there.