Melanie Oudin
An American tennis dynamo who, as a teen, electrified the 2009 US Open with her fearless play and signature 'Believe' shoes, inspiring a generation.
Born 1991 (age 35)·American tennis player·Birthday: September 23·Millennials
Biography
Melanie Oudin's story is a rocket launch that burned brightly against the odds. In 2009, the 17-year-old from Marietta, Georgia, arrived at the US Open ranked 70th in the world and left as a national sensation. Wearing shoes stenciled with the word 'BELIEVE', she staged a stunning run to the quarterfinals, defeating a series of top-ranked Russian players with a game built on relentless hustle and counter-punching groundstrokes. That moment captured the imagination of American tennis, heralding a new hope for the post-Williams era. While injuries and physical struggles later curtailed her singles career, Oudin secured a Grand Slam title in 2011, winning the US Open mixed doubles with Jack Sock. Her legacy is that of a poignant 'what if', but more importantly, of a player whose courage under pressure provided one of the most memorable chapters in modern Flushing Meadows history.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Melanie was born in 1991, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Melanie Was Born
The biggest hits of 1991
#1 Movie
Terminator 2: Judgment Day
Best Picture
The Silence of the Lambs
#1 TV Show
Cheers
Melanie's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1991Born
Soviet Union dissolves; World Wide Web goes public
Gas: $1.14/galHome: $82,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"(Everything I Do) I Do It for You" — Bryan AdamsBest Picture: The Silence of the Lambs
1996Started school
Dolly the sheep cloned
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $99,700Min wage: $4.75/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Macarena" — Los del RioBest Picture: The English Patient
2004Became a teenager
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2007Could drive
iPhone released; Great Recession begins
Gas: $2.80/galHome: $172,600Min wage: $5.85/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Irreplaceable" — BeyonceBest Picture: No Country for Old Men
2009Could vote
Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created
Gas: $2.35/galHome: $148,500Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Boom Boom Pow" — The Black Eyed PeasBest Picture: The Hurt Locker
2012Turned 21
Curiosity rover lands on Mars; Sandy Hook shooting
Gas: $3.64/galHome: $143,200Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Somebody That I Used to Know" — GotyeBest Picture: Argo
2021Turned 30
January 6 Capitol breach; COVID vaccines roll out globally
Gas: $3.01/galHome: $298,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Levitating" — Dua LipaBest Picture: CODA
2026Age 35 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Reached the quarterfinals of the 2009 US Open as a 17-year-old, defeating four higher-ranked players.
- Won the 2011 US Open mixed doubles title with partner Jack Sock.
- Achieved a career-high singles ranking of World No. 31 in 2012.
- Was named the WTA Newcomer of the Year in 2009 for her breakthrough season.
Did You Know?
Her famous 'BELIEVE' shoes are now part of the International Tennis Hall of Fame collection.
She was diagnosed with rhabdomyolysis, a muscle tissue condition, which significantly impacted her career.
Oudin won the Wimbledon girls' junior title in 2008.
She officially retired from professional tennis in 2017 at the age of 25.
“I just went out there and believed that I could win, and I did.”
