Breakthrough Performers of the Year.

Juan Martin Del Potro is my mens breakthrough performer of the year, for his improbable championship run at this years U.S. Open.  Del Potro known for being a huge talent, who could possibly win a grand slam or 2 in the future wasn't really expected to win one, atleast not just yet though.  Some of the critics point to his stamina and fitness as being a reason why he wasn't quite ready to take the next step as a major champion.  With that lack of fitness and stamina Del Potro was never thought to be a threat in the 2 week long, best of 5 set majors.  Especially ones in warmer more fatiguing climates.  Also it was believed that the 21 year old Argentine just didn't have enough experience in the grand slam tournaments.  So for Del Potro to defeat Rafael Nadal in the U.S. Open semifinals and go on to dethrone #1 ranked Roger Federer who had sit on top of the perch for 5 consecutive U.S. Open championships was "major" in so many different ways.  It put the young Juan Martin Del Potro right up there with the present elite.

My breakthrough performer on the women's side is the young American, Melanie Oudin.  The 17 year old Oudin created a buzz among American fans at the U.S. Open this year by reaching the quarterfinals.  Not only was it a surprise that Oudin made it so far, it was the people she beat to make it to be one of the "elite 8".  Oudin had to beat one of the tournament favorites and top 5 player Elena Dementieva in the 2nd round.  Just to face another elite player in Maria Sharapova in the next round.  After climbing out of a early deficit and upsetting Sharapova, Oudin had to go against yet another tough Russian, Nadia Petrova.  Petrova once again took the early lead and first set, just to have Oudin dig down and upset yet another top 20 player, to make it to the quarterfinals where she lost to Caroline Wozniacki.  Oudin with her run provided hope for American Women's tennis by having another name that isn't Williams deep into a major tournament.  Tennis journalist Matt Cronin went as far as posting on his facebook that "The Americans finally have their Justine Henin", or something like that.  Its not the exact quote, but it was a comparison of Oudin and Henin.  To me that was a little much at the time, but when you have a 17 year old with the talent and drive, who am I to totally judge.  Since her tremendous U.S. Open run in late August Melanie Oudin has won a total of 1 match.  Looks like there is a long way for her to go, but she did put her name on the map as someone to look out for, and follow in the future.