LAS VEGAS (Sept. 15, 2014) – Once America’s tennis sweetheart following her amazing quarterfinal run as a 17-year-old at the 2009 US Open, Melanie Oudin quickly turned into a Las Vegas crowd favorite capturing the singles title last year at Las Vegas’ only professional tennis tournament.
 
Good new Las Vegas tennis fans: Oudin will be returning to defend her crown at the 2014 Red Rock Pro Open that starts this weekend beginning with qualifying and continuing the following week at Red Rock Country Club.
 
Oudin, who will celebrate her 23rd birthday on Sept. 23 in Las Vegas, is currently ranked No. 124 in the world. Oudin won a WTA singles title last year and holds, six USTA Pro Circuit singles titles, including last year’s 6-3, 6-3 win over CoCo Vandeweghe in Las Vegas.  Oudin also owns a Grand Slam Mixed Doubles title from the 2013 US Open.
 
In addition to Oudin, the attractive player field has been announced for the Red Rock Pro Open, a USTA women’s $50,000  Pro Circuit Challenger tournament encompassing a 32-player field in singles and 16 doubles teams.
 
Top players included with country and current WTA world ranking: Tereza Smitkova, Czech Republic (No. 89); Paula Ormaechea, Argentina (No. 120); Michelle Larcher De Brito, Portugal (No. 137), Timea Babos, Hungary (No. 104), Anna Tatishvili, U. S.. (No. 105) and Urszula Radwanska, Poland (No. 172).
 
Other top American’s in the main draw include Madison Brengle (No. 112), Allie Kiick (No. 136), Irina Falconi (No. 141) and Julia Boserup (No. 197).
 
Red Rock Country Club Director of Tennis Mike Copenhaver announced there are a couple of new developments to the tournament that will set it apart this year, including live streaming and commentators through the Pro Circuit website for stadium court matches, as well as electronic scoreboards on court.
 
There will also be special community events throughout the week, including a Kid’s Fun Day on Sunday, Sept. 21 from 6 p. m. to 8 p. m. This FREE party will include carnival games and activities for all ages as well as on court tennis games and fun clinics.  Every kid will go home a winner with prizes to be given out throughout the event.
 
In addition, a Pro-Am Tournament featuring selected sponsors and professional players will take place Monday, Sept. 22 starting at 7 p. m. A Tournament Party will also take place at the Country Club to provide a unique socializing and networking experience with players, sponsors and prominent community figures the following day, Tuesday Sept. 23 at 7 p. m. More information on the schedule of events is posted on the tournament website atwww. redrockproopen.com.