Melanie Oudin’s Boyfriend Austin Smith tells her to BELIEVE

By Amanda Pendolino on September 8th, 2009

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Athletes are known for all kinds of ridiculous superstitions, whether it’s wearing dirty socks or growing a beard. For American tennis star Melanie Oudin, it’s her boyfriend Austin Smith and his mind-over-matter optimism.

According to ESPN, 17 year-old Melanie surprised the tennis world last week when she defeated Elena Dementieva, one of the pre-tournament favorites, and advanced to the third round of the U.S. Open. Based on Austin’s suggestion, Melanie wrote the word BELIEVE on the back of her shoes. ”It seems to fit me well,” she said. “I played with no fear today. It’s believing that I can beat these girls and hang in there with them. That’s how I won — I believed I could do it.”

Even still, the 5-foot-6 athlete from Georgia was surprised at the game’s positive outcome. “I can’t believe I won,” she said after the game. Sure you can! You put it on your shoes, remember? It’s a pretty sweet victory, too; Elena is one of the hottest tennis stars who just won a title in Toronto and beat Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova.

Elena even admitted that Melanie’s got some spunk. ”She was playing very aggressively, really enjoying this atmosphere, the crowd support and really going for winners,” she said. “So it’s just the beginning, but it looks like she has a good future.”

Click here to see Melanie Oudin Photos!