Labor Day Preview: Teen Sensation Melanie Oudin Puts “Red Scare” into Petrova

Melanie Oudin’s coming out party has been nothing short of spectacular at the 2009 U.S. Open Championships and this Labor Day should be no different. Today Oudin continues her Russian assault taking on the 13th ranked player in the world, Nadia Petrova.

If you’ve been following the tournament, you know Oudin has already escorted two Russian powerhouses out the door including Maria Sharapova and Elena Dementieva. Expect the “red scare” to continue against Petrova at Arthur Ashe this afternoon.

The Williams sisters are off today, but there is a former U.S. Open Champion and two-time grand slam winner lurking in the women’s draw. That woman is 6th seeded Svetlana Kuznetsova who plays the 9th seed, from Denmark, Caroline Wozniacki. You have to give the nod to Kuznetsova who's been flying under the radar since the tournament began.

Turning to the men’s side, Roger Federer should have a trouble-free afternoon when he takes on Tommy Robredo. However, the next round could provide more of a challenge for Fed if has to play Robin Soderling, the man who conquered Nadal at the French. At 6'4, the 12th seeded Soderling is an imposing figure with a big serve. He got a huge boost in confidence after advancing to the finals of this year's French Open where he lost to none other than Roger Federer.

Soderling, however, has to get to the next round first. He will have his hands full this afternoon against a rejuvenated Nikolay Davydenko.

The fourth seed, Novak Djokovic should also have a relatively stress-free 4th round encounter against Radek Stepankek.

The best matchup on the men’s side this afternoon may come from the man who blew Andy Roddick out of this year’s draw. Six-foot-nine-inch John Isner is back today and playing the 10th seeded Fernando Verdasco. This match should produce some sparkling tennis and a possible upset.

Isner’s Serving Barrage Blows Out Roddick

Another grand slam disappointment for Andy Roddick

One of the best chances in years for Roddick to add another grand slam title to his resume ended in disaster on Day 6 with a five-set loss to the six-foot-nine-inch tall American, John Isner, 7-6(7-3), 6-3, 3-6, 5-7, 7-6(7-5).

Try as he might, Andy Roddick just couldn’t hold it together against the big-serving John Isner. Roddick clawed all the way back from a 2-sets to none deficit against the giant – only to blow it in the fifth.

Yes, Isner played the match of his life. He launched 38 aces into the night and knocked the cover off the ball. But that doesn’t excuse Mr. Roddick.

News flash: Multiple grand slam winners find a way to win. Andy Roddick didn’t. It doesn’t matter how well Isner played, Roddick had realistic chances to take this match, but couldn’t get it done.

Roddick went 2 for 9 on break point chances including a love-forty lead he let slip away in the first set on Isner’s serve. Andy only dropped his serve once in the entire match, but failed to exploit his chances and didn’t really get fired up until he was down by two sets to love.

I appreciate the sportsmanship when Roddick credits his opponents for playing great, but at some point during these matches, Andy has to take stock. He must realize that no matter how well a “lesser player” is playing – he should still find a way to beat them. Otherwise, he’ll finish his career just like Michael Chang, a great player yes, but still just a one-slam wonder.

This doesn’t take away from the fact that Isner played a terrific match, but he has as much chance of winning the title this year as my cat.

Andy was the best shot on the men's side for the red, white and blue at the 2009 U.S. Open, but once again, that train left without us. Oh well, there’s always 2010.