Melanie Oudin set to lead US Fed Cup team in final against Italy (pictures and video)

November 6, 6:37 AMTampa Tennis ExaminerSean Craft

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18 year old Melanie Oudin steps back into the spotlight against Italy this weekend
(AP Photo/Kathy Willens)

Friday, Nov. 6 - For the first time since her dream run at the US Open this past September, American teen sensation Melanie Oudin will find herself back in the spotlight as she prepares to lead the US Federation Cup squad against an Italian team playing at home in their third cup final in the last four years.  The action is set to begin Saturday, November 7th from Reggio Calabria, Italy.

• View Photo Highlights of Melanie Oudin at the US Open at bottom of article
• Watch Video Highlights of Melanie's biggest upset at bottom of article
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While the 18 year old Marietta, GA native has been keeping somewhat of a low profile over the past couple of months, having failed to qualify for the main draw in both Tokyo and Beijing, followed by a last minute withdrawal in Luxembourg shortly before she was set to square off in a rematch with Caroline Wozniacki - the popular Dane who ended Oudin's run in Flushing Meadows, Oudin has proven that she flourishes in the big moments and none are bigger in terms of women's team tennis competition than the Fed Cup final.

Founded in 1963 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the International Tennis Federation, the Fed Cup has grown in popularity since that time to become the female equivalent of the Davis Cup, featuring the top 8 international teams competing in the World Group. Oudin leads a team of mostly young Americans including Alexa Glatch, Vania King (a last minute replacement for Serena Williams, who withdrew from the lineup while competing for the year end championships in Qatar this past week), and world #1 doubles player Liezel Huber.  “It’s definitely a little bit of pressure without the Williams sisters,” Oudin said to reporters. “I thought that I might not even be playing, and definitely not No. 1 singles, but it’s a good feeling because I like representing our country and I’ve been on the team twice before. I’m really looking forward to playing and just fighting hard and having a good time again this weekend.”

The fiesty teenager has already proven her mettle to the national squad earlier this year as she was able to win 1 of her 2 singles matches against a favored Argentinean team during their first round encounter, and will need to summon her best tennis this weekend playing on the road in front of a charged up Italian crowd and a formidable team led by Flavia Pennetta and Francesca Schiavone.  Pennetta is coming off a career season which landed her in the top 10 at one point, making her the first Italian female to reach that milestone.  Roberta Vinci and Sara Eranni round out the Italian squad seeking their second Fed Cup championship since 2006.

The draws will be held on Friday with competition set to begin at 5am EST on Saturday, November 7th.  Live televised coverage will be aired by the Tennis Channel with rebroadcasts available throughout the weekend.  Be sure to check back for all of the results from the 2009 Fed Cup final.