US Open Day 10: Back Down to Earth

Curtain Call

Player: Melanie Oudin

Nation: USA

Age: 17

Current Ranking: #70

Notable Conquests: Elena Dementieva (Russia), 4th seed; Maria Sharapova (Russia), 29th seed and Nadia Petrova (Russia), 13th seed

Tour Page: http://www.sonyericssonwtatour.com/page/Player/Info/0,,12781~13174,00.html

Today's Match: loss to Caroline Wozniacki (Denmark) in straight sets

The fairy tale came to an end this evening. If you've followed the tournament at all, you are already acquainted with America's new sweetheart. Marketing opportunism aside, Oudin's achievement here is pretty darn impressive: a virtually unknown teenager taking out three seeded players in three consecutive rounds. Is she for real or just a flash in the pan? Will we find out in Melbourne? She'll be old enough to vote by then.

The wheelchair competition begins tomorrow and I'm delighted to see that the Tennis Channel intends to provide some coverage. Alas, I doubt I'll be home in time from work to see it. The mixed doubles final is also tomorrow.

Fantasy football draft is over. Bed soon. Dentist tomorrow morning - ick!