U.S. Open sensation Oudin eliminated in China Open qualifier

BEIJING -- The reality of life on the pro tennis tour hit home for teenager Melanie Oudin on Friday, when she crashed out in qualifying for the China Open only weeks after her surprising run to the U.S. Open quarterfinals.

Oudin lost to fellow American Alexa Glatch 2-6, 7-5, 6-3. Oudin, who recently turned 18, was ranked 42nd in the world. Glatch was ranked No. 115.

The early defeat dampens what has been a breakthrough year for Oudin. The Georgia native was the early story at Flushing Meadows with her upset victories against fourth-seeded Elena Dementieva and former No. 1-ranked Maria Sharapova.

Oudin also made the fourth round at Wimbledon, knocking off another former No. 1 -- Jelena Jankovic -- on the way.

The China Open main draw will start Saturday for the women. World No. 1 Dinara Safina, Serena and Venus Williams, and 2008 champion Jankovic are among the favorites.

The men's competition starts Monday, with world No. 2 Rafael Nadal the favorite in a field containing defending champion Andy Roddick and Serbia's Novak Djokovic.

Nadal has recovered from an abdominal injury that kept him sidelined since losing in the U.S. Open semifinals to eventual champion Juan Martin del Potro.