Oudin to quarters

Remember, it's not a big deal. You just act like your hitting with your sister. That's all. That's a bit of what American Melanie Oudin sounded like after she defeated Maria Sharapova two matches ago.

Oudin continued one of the greatest runs posted by an American teen since Serena Williams won the 1999 U.S. Open by taking down yet another seeded Russian. This time it was #13 seed Nadia Pretrova's turn to lose a three set match to Oudin, 1-6, 7-6 (2), 6-3. Oudin, for the third straight match, lost the first set.

"I don't actually mean to lose the first set," explained a smiling Oudin, 17-4 this season in three-setters. "I sometimes just start off slowly, I guess. Maybe I'm a little nervous."

Next for Oudin will be #9 seed Caroline Wozniacki from Denmark. Wozniacki also had to go three sets also to defeat #6 seed and two-time Grand Slam winner Svetlana Kuznetsova, 2-6, 7-6 (5), 7-6 (3). Both Wozniacki and Oudin are first timers reaching this point in a Grand Slam. Wozniacki knows she's up against it going into her quarterfinal match with Oudin.

"Hopefully," Wozniacki said, "someone from the crowd will cheer for me."

There will be some from the crowd cheering for you, Caroline...anyone you invite to be there. Eveyone else will be cheering for Oudin. The winner will also get a first semifinal match in a major. Wozniacki has been there in regular tournaments, but not in Slams. Oudin, never. Oudin was ranked #221 last year, and even if she doesn't win another match, she will be ranked no lower than #45.

The "legend" of Oudin continues to grow. She must now have security escort her around the tourney's facilities. She must make better use of her time due to requests and meetings. Some meetings are for possible endosement deals. And we've all seen her specially made Adidas shoes with "Believe" by the heel. Those shoes just add even more to her story. And Oudin does believe. And we do as we follow her with every swing of her racket.

Even at 5' 6", Melanie Oudin is now larger than life.