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Follow Melanie Oudin as she blogs on her way back to the tournament that made her a star.
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Checking In August 16, 2010 - 11:15 AM

103333729 Hi Everyone,

It’s been a couple weeks since I last checked in. Sorry about that! Things have been a little crazy for me lately, and I think that has a lot to do with playing in the U.S. where I had a breakthrough last year. People expect a lot from me since I had a good U.S. Open last year. It’s almost like they want me to win every single match. I’d really like to! But I still have work to do on my game.

Anyway, I think the mix of media obligations and match pressure sort of got to me last week in Cincinnati against Elena Vesnina. It wasn’t my best match. I did a lot of media stuff before I started playing, and I don’t know if that was such a good idea. I think that it’s tough having so many other things to focus on aside from my tennis before matches.

But there was one good thing that came out of my early loss in Cincinnati: It meant I got to go home to train for a few days! I got to Atlanta Wednesday morning. It’s about nine hours in a car from Cincinnati to Atlanta, so I flew, but I wish I could’ve driven. It’s so much easier to just throw whatever you want into the car instead of cramming all your stuff into a suitcase. That’s how I used to do it as a junior. My mom and I would just pack the car up and go.

It was so nice to sleep in my own bed and just get that home feeling. I’ve gotten pretty used to hotels and I don’t mind them. When I’m on the road I like to download TV shows and movies to pass the time. Some of my favorites are Make It or Break It, Gossip Girl and Pretty Little Liars. When I’m home I keep busy catching up with everyone instead of spending time in front of my computer!

In Cincinnati it was nice to play doubles with my friend Jamie Hampton. We used to play together in the juniors, so I’ve known her for a really, really long time. We want to try to play in the U.S. Open together, too. The week before in San Diego I ended up playing her in singles because Victoria Azarenka pulled out. It’s always tough playing a friend. My coach always says in those cases that you have to play the ball, not the person.

I practiced really well at home. I’m trying to keep focused on the key points of the match and working my serve. Really I just want to keep getting matches and experience. Now I’m in Montreal, ready to play. Hopefully the attention will calm down a bit for the week since it’s in Canada. :) Thanks for all the support! Wish me luck!

Melanie


5 Comments

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Posted by Dave G August 16, 2010 at 11:56 AM

Good Luck!

I remember that the WTA used to have a mentoring program. Do they still have one? If they do, you might want to talk to your mentor about handling match-day media resposibilities. If not, you might want to talk to some of the former-pros about how they handled match-day media responsibilities (especially handling them early in their career). They might have ideas you hadn't considered.

Again, good luck.
Posted by Tom in Smalltown August 16, 2010 at 12:19 PM

Well wishes, Melanie.

Posted by Ben August 16, 2010 at 08:46 PM

Good luck, Melanie! You're an inspiration and a joy to watch.
Posted by Huguette gagnon August 17, 2010 at 12:28 AM

Hello !

I am from Montreal . Its the first time i am gonna see you playing live .. Bonne chance !!!
Posted by Od August 17, 2010 at 10:47 AM

Good luck!
I use Wilson K Factor KBlade Tour also.

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Sweet Home Atlanta
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Summer Vacation
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