Oudin has always had fans in Cobb

By JENNIFER BRETT

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Melanie Oudin had fans the day she was born.

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Jason Getz, jgetz@ajc.com Teen tennis sensation Melanie Oudin takes a break in practice as she gets some tutoring from coach Brian de Villiers (right) at Racquet Club of the South before the U.S. Open.

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AJC File At the age of 14, Melanie Oudin -- practicing at the Riverside Club in north Fulton County -- was among the top tennis players in the United States in her age group and had hopes to someday turn pro.

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Long before the 17-year-old smacked and scrambled her way to becoming the youngest American quarterfinalist at the U.S. Open since Serena Williams in 1999, before her aggressive play and emotional celebrations turned her into a sports marketing darling (Google her name and “put tennis back on the map”), she was half of a set of twins who arrived to the neighborhood’s delight.

“They were the cutest little things,” cooed Joyce Dark, recalling baby Melanie and sister Katherine from the day their parents brought them home to their Marietta neighborhood.

Dark and her husband, Steve, were close friends with Leslie and John Oudin in the years they all lived in the Charlton Forge subdivision; the Oudins have since moved to east Cobb.

When the Darks’ daughter married Brian Tucker in 1997, a pair of twin flower girls led the way down the aisle at Marietta First United Methodist Church.

“They came to a couple of my showers and were a big part of the day,” Mandy Tucker said. “We thought so highly of their whole family. We just watched a match with my mom and dad. [Television cameras] showed Leslie and John. We just get teary-eyed. We couldn’t believe it was the same little girl who used to hit tennis balls in our cul de sac.”

As thrilling as it is to see a friend on national television, Tucker’s pleased that the spotlight is shining on someone of Oudin’s character.

“She’s very deserving of everything she has,” she said. “For someone who has such a wonderful ability, she’s so humble.”

Oudin pulled off another three-set shocker Monday by beating No. 13 seed Nadia Petrova, the third seeded Russian player she had eliminated in five days. She plays Caroline Wozniacki, who defeated Svetlana Kuznetsova, at 7 p.m. Wednesday.

Screaming fans at her home club will be watching. As the tennis world watches Oudin dominate the game, friends here are ecstatic to cheer on a hometown hero.

“She’s an inspiration to everybody,” said Anne Keeton, player liaison at Racquet Club of the South, where Oudin has put in thousands of practice hours with coach Brian de Villiers. “It’s neat to be in the presence of someone living their dream. Her life is an example of going for your dream, no matter what they are. If you’re a retired mom who’s always wanted to do something, go for it.”

About 175 young players, ages 4 to 18, are honing their serves and volleys at the Norcross club. Between 70 and 80 spectators gathered for Oudin’s Monday match, and at least that many are expected Wednesday night.

“It’s exciting to be there, wonderful to be part of it,” Keeton said. “One woman said it’s like you’re watching your daughter.”

Kate Wehmeyer attends Eastside Baptist Church, which runs the Christian school Melanie attended before switching to home schooling. Wehmeyer is hoping someone will set up a television so worshippers can keep an eye on tonight’s match during Wednesday night fellowship activities.

“The halls are buzzing,” Wehmeyer said. “There’s an excitement.”

As a part-time home schooler, she has yet another reason to follow Oudin’s success.

“She plays with great energy and enthusiasm and discipline,” she said. “The home school community is pleased to have a home schooler doing so well.”