Behind U.S. Open's "Cinderella"

Melanie Oudin's Mother, Coach Discuss What's Behind 17-Year-Old's Success at Tournament

(CBS)  The coach of U.S. Open sweetheart Melanie Oudin says he has less hair now.

Brian de Villiers said on "The Early Show" Tuesday Oudin's dramatic comebacks are a change from her normal style of play.

De Villiers, Oudin's coach since she was just 9, said she usually starts well. However, that hasn't been the trend at this year's Open. Oudin is becoming known for her ability to overcome her opponents, physically and mentally, when all seems lost.

"I think the level that she is playing at now takes a little adjusting, getting used to the pace of the ball, all these girls hit the ball incredibly hard," de Villiers said. "But she's figuring out a way to win and she's doing a great job at it."

De Villiers added Oudin's ability to concentrate has always been her strength.

Oudin, of Marietta, Ga., was the 70th ranked player, but is now being called a "Cinderella" for defying her ranking, knocking out Russian opponents Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova, the fourth seed, as well as Elena Dementieva and former champion Maria Sharapova. And on Monday at New York's Arthur Ashe Stadium, Oudin upset 13th-seeded Nadia Petrova with another come-from-behind win to reach her first U.S. Open quarterfinals.

In tennis, where a number of physical factors -- including height -- apparently play a role in wins, Oudin happens to be shorter than all of the opponents she's beaten.

Oudin told CBS News correspondent Kelly Wallace it isn't about size or even power.

"I've always wanted it," she said, "And it's finally happening."

De Villiers told "Early Show" substitute co-anchor Debbye Turner Bell he thinks she's going to go all the way.

He said, "I put my money on her every time."

Leslie Oudin, Melanie Oudin's mother, said on "The Early Show" her daughter tells her she's just trying to do her best, particularly with the level of serving. However, Oudin's mother said Melanie knows she can rally with the best of the champions at the Open.

"She's very confident in that aspect. And she knows she has a game that she's going to work hard, she's going to fight for it."

Leslie Oudin said she is excited and nervous for her daughter as she advances.

"It's great for her. She's worked that ready for many, many years and it's been a pleasure to watch her," she said. "It's thrilling to see this child have such huge impact on the tennis world now."

Oudin will play ninth seed Caroline Wozniacki of Denmark next in the quarterfinals.

[sam-kiley]

coucou
je suis contente pour elle, elle est jeune mélanie a beaucup de talent, un beau jeu, du punch, le beau témoignage de son coach est une belle preuve..elle fera le bonheur des américains, je lui souhaite plein de succés mélanie "cendrillon" des temps modernes..au revoir

[salmoc44]

21 double faults by Sharapova got her to a Petrova match where Petrova choked a match that a better player would have secured. Oudin has no serve. She won't last much longer. If her serve remains as weak as it currently is, she'll be an obscure trivia question in the future about the young blonde girl who said "Come on!" about 50 times per match.

[dnamj]

Such a great story. This is why open tournaments can be so cool!

[kevjustice]

Is she the Republicans "great white hope"?

[pw08-2009]

Wow, how original...how many times have I seen "great white hope" in the chat spaces...How about expressing your own, original thoughts...

[pw08-2009]

So nice to see a different face playing tennis. I had lost interest because all you see is the hero worship of the Williams sisters, who could care less about all the pitifull adoring fans...

[credibility2]

Kudos to Oudin for her diligence, hard work, skill and athleticism. Kudos to her coaches, her parents and all those who have supported and encouraged her all these years. This is her time to enjoy the fruits of her labor.