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Ranked #49 in the world and thought by many to be the future of American women's tennis, 18 year old Melanie Oudin says "hard work and having fun are the keys to success in tennis", Oudin made an appearance for her racket sponsor Wilson today at the PGA Superstore in Roswell, GA.

Oudin greeted fans of all ages, many who have followed her career since she started playing, and sparred off against three lucky juniors on the indoor practice court at the Superstore.  Having practically grown up in Roswell, Oudin was at ease and comfortable answering questions about her U.S. Open run, the upcoming Australian Open, and her meeting Roger Federer.

2010 will be Oudin's first year as a full-time pro, and she says she doesn't get nervous on the court, or doing talkshows, as she did following her loss to Caroline Wozniacki at The U.S. Open.  Where she did get nervous was her chance encounter with Roger Federer in New York.   She said wanted to ask him about his twins, but she froze up and could only muster a few words to him.

As for 2010, the 18 year old with the big inside out forehand is working on improving her serve, and maybe play some more doubles events, if her ranking can get her in some with partner Shenay Perry.  Despite her big wins over the likes of Sharapova, Jankovic, and Dementieva, Oudin says she prefers to stay quiet in the lockerooms on the tour.  She has enjoyed her offseason and playing some exhibitions recently.  She is excited about playing Serena Williams in an exhibition next week at The University of Georgia in Athens.

The future is indeed bright for this young American.  She won't be able to sneak up on the competition like she did in 2009.  She still has half a year to improve her world ranking before she has to start defending WTA points, then more and more will be expected of her.  She is still kind of in the shadow of Venus and Serena Williams, but it won't be long until the "future of American tennis" will be the present.