Like a frisky filly, 5’5’ American Melanie Oudin, pronounced oo-Dan, galloped through her first round preliminary at the 2009 Australian Open. The hardworking 17 year old is one of the most heralded ITF Junior Players and has had a distinguished career. AS the number 2 ranked Junior Player and the number 1 ranked 18 year old, high expectations follow Melanie wherever she goes.

Always a fan favorite, the bouncy blonde from Marietta, Georgia, reminds tennis experts of Justine Henin. The two share similar styles, builds and junior successes. However, Oudin is a speedster with the most energetic and persistent footwork on the circuit. At one point in her junior career, Melanie rode that footwork to an astounding 28-1 junior record. Her career singles record is now 93 wins against just 29 losses.

Oudin uses a forceful two-handed backhand with an exaggerated slice. In her limited exposure to the pro game in 2008, Melanie’s tenacious ground strokes and agile retrieves unsettled unsuspecting veterans. Melanie is the fraternal twin sister of Katherine and has been home schooled since the seventh grade. She is coached by the esteemed Brian de Villers, who realizes he has one of the game’s budding stars.

At the age of 16, Melanie won her first pro event in the $50,000 Lexington in July of 2008 after reaching the finals at Fort Walton Beach in February. Her performance at last year’s U.S. Open may have been Melanie’s last junior event. By all appearances she looks ready to play at a higher level.

At Melbourne, Oudin blasted past Hot Indian Sunitha Rao 6-3, 6-4 and will be playing Slovakian, Lenka Wienerova in the preliminary’s 2nd round. Wienerova defeated Czech Eva Hrdinova 6-4, 6-3. There is a sense of excitement about these two rising stars facing off so early in the tournament.

In another stirring performance, Ioana Olaru or Romania overcame French favorite Olivia Sanchez in a hard fought match, 6-4, 7-5. Olaru reached the round of 32 at last year’s U.S. Open and has a fair amount of Grand Slam experience. At one time, Ioana held the 55th tour rank9imng but has slipped to her current rank of 130.

Olaru is a solid 5’8, 130 pound power player. At 19 years old, her game has rounded into shape and her progress has been noted by several competitors. In her brief career, Ioana has earned more than $289,000. A native of Bucharest, the right-hander sports a 2 handed backhand and her power game is well suited for the quick Australian surface.

Like Oudin, Olaru has big fan support at Melbourne. These two future stars seem likely to survive the prelim pressure and earn their way to the main draw, much to the delight of the big galleries and tournament organizers.