NEW YORK, NY, USA - Since her breakthrough run to the quarterfinals of the US Open as a 17-year-old, Melanie Oudin has somewhat struggled to show her greatness again - but on Friday evening, on the very same court she upset all those top players that year, a 19-year-old Oudin did it all again, winning her very first Grand Slam title in mixed doubles alongside Jack Sock.
Oudin and Sock's run to the final included saving match point to win their first round match against Vladka Uhlirova and Filip Polasek, as well as a quarterfinal upset over No.1 seeds Liezel Huber and Bob Bryan. In the final, they beat No.8 seeds Gisela Dulko and Eduardo Schwank in a photo finish, 76(4) 46 108.
"We kind of can't believe we actually won a Grand Slam. Like I have a title now," Oudin beamed. "We didn't even know if we were going to play, because we didn't know if we would get a wildcard. And then we were down match point in the first match. But Jack jokes a lot when we're playing and it keeps me relaxed - that's what I've been having trouble with when I play lately, staying relaxed."
Sock, a fellow American, agreed: "For me it was a lot of fun. That's why we did so well this week - just playing loose, swinging and having a good time."
For Oudin it was a particularly meaningful win. Since that magical run to the quarterfinals, she has gone 2-8 in Grand Slam play - including first round losses at all four of this year's Slams. It was also special for her to win on Ashe.
"I have lots of memories playing on Ashe. It's definitely nice every time I walk on the court. I think about everything. It's great to have another win on that court.
"Two years ago it was out of nowhere, and this was even more out of nowhere - we were wildcards, down match point, and neither of us looked past the second round because we were playing Liezel and Bob. Then it just kind of happened.
"But sometimes when you're down match point, getting through it and getting a bit lucky here and there, who knows? You can end up winning the title."
