Thursday, September 10, 2009

U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson (R-GA)
Floor Statement Honoring Melanie Oudin
Remarks as Delivered on the Senate Floor

Mr. President, this is a happy tribute to a young lady by the name of Melanie Oudin. Melanie is 17 years old. She was born in my hometown of Marietta, GA. She has a pair of tennis shoes that have the word ``believe'' on them. She started competing in tennis years ago. She was thought to be pretty good, so her parents--from the seventh grade on--home schooled her so she would have enough time every day to practice.

Were they ever correct. As I am sure the President knows, a few weeks ago, at Wimbledon, this amazing young lady--17 years old, 5-foot-6--took on the world of tennis and moved through the fourth round at Wimbledon. Along the way, she beat none other than the former world No. 1, Jelena Jankovic. She made all the newspapers and all the sports shows.

But was she a flash in the pan? No. What happened this last couple of weeks in New York City at the U.S. Open proved this girl is the real deal because she advanced this time to the quarter finals, again defeating top-seeded players and former No. 1 players such as Maria Sharapova and Elena Dementieva, both outstanding players who lost to this little 5-foot 6-inch powerhouse from Marietta, GA.

She did lose in the quarter finals, but she will eventually get to the top because she believes, she is committed, she is dedicated, and she has the support and love of a great family. She leaves soon to play in the Bell Challenge in Quebec City. She will probably move from 70th in the world to about 45th in the world.

Mr. President, I am confident with her dedication and commitment, she will soon rise to No. 1. I pay tribute to the First Lady of my hometown, the tennis player of great renown, Ms. Melanie Oudin.