New York - Newest American tennis darling Melanie Oudin is already watching as her life changes after reaching the US Open quarter-finals in a run of form out of nowhere which could define her career. The teenager was already planning a quiet splurge, spending some of her 175,000 dollars in prize money on a Rolex and perhaps some new clothes for television appearances on the "Tonight" show.
Even before she stepped onto the court against Dane Caroline Wozniacki, the Georgia 17-year-old was signing a sponsorship contact, reportedly with a data mining firm which guarantees six figures and performance bonuses.
She said that signing on the dotted line just moments before taking to the court didn't affect her performance in the loss to her fellow teenager.
"I knew I was going to, it wasn't a big deal. All I did was sign a piece of paper," she said.
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NOTEBOOK: France to face Davis Cup date without injured Simon =
Paris - France are fearful of a possible fall from the elite Davis Cup World group as the top tennis nation faces a playoff tie next week away against the Netherlands without Gilles Simon on the squad.
The number nine hurt his right knee and had to retire in his US Open match against Spain's Juan Carlos Ferrero, himself looking for a Davis place if injuries force Rafael Nadal to miss next week's semi-final in Murcia against tennis minnow Israel.
French captain Guy Forget will have to make do with a high-class lineup of Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, Gael Monfils and Michael Llodra against the modest Dutch opposition.
New to the visiting squad will be French youngster Jeremy Chardy, a junior Wimbledon winner, will complete the lineup and make his Davis debut.
