By Alberto Amalfi
© Tony Chang/Chang Photography

(November 7, 2010) Overlooked on opening day, Melanie Oudin was overwhelming today. Bypassed to play on day one, Oudin answered the call today to keep American hopes alive. A pumped-up Oudin pounded out a 6-3, 6-1 victory over French Open champion Francesca Schiavone in the opening reverse singles match of today's Fed Cup final. It was Oudin's first victory over a top 10 opponent this season and cut Italy's lead to 2-1 in the best-of-five match final at the San Diego Sports Arena.

An inspired Oudin broke Schiavone five straight times in beating the seventh-ranked Italian for the first time in three meetings.

"I came out with no fear today. I wasn't afraid of losing," Oudin said. "I went out there and played with courage and I did it. My serve was key. I actually hit a few aces and she wasn't hurting me on my serve."

World No. 2 doubles player Flavia Pennetta, who beat a cramping Bethanie Mattek-Sands, 7-6(4), 6-2 to stake Italy to a 2-0 lead yesterday, can clinch Italy's third Fed Cup title in the last five years by beating 18-year-old Coco Vandeweghe in today's second reverse singles.

The Americans will need a historic comeback if they are to win a record-extending 18th Fed Cup championship.

This is eighth time since the home-away (and best-of-five match) format was instituted in 1995 that the USA has trailed 0-2. The Americans have never come from behind to win after trailing 0-2, but Oudin gave the USA hope.



Passed over as a singles starter in favor of the 114th-ranked Vandeweghe on Saturday, Oudin was pressed into action today and responded with one of her best matches of the year in raising her Fed Cup record to 4-1 this season.

"It's pretty amazing. I haven't beaten a top 10 player all year so for it to happen in the Fed Cup final in one of my last matches of the year is incredible," Oudin said. "I've always loved playing Fed Cup. It brings out the best in people."

Oudin fired 13 winners and slammed an ace on match point to close out the victory.