Wild card Kim Clijsters completed her compelling comeback in convincing fashion with a purposeful display of power and finesse as she dominated Caroline Wozniacki at Arthur Ashe Stadium on Sunday evening. 23,000 fans paid tribute to the inspirational play of the two upstart finalists who seemed to signal the arrival of a new era in the women’s game.

On a day when Serena Williams was fined $10,000 and severely chastised for her temperamental display in the semi-finals, the two women’s finalists put on a graceful performance. A decided underdog, Wozniacki emerged as a courageous and gracious ambassador of the game. She, Clijsters and other young stars may well lift the torch from the old guard.

Clijsters had too much game for the Danish counter puncher. Although not as sharp as in her semi-final match, Kim seemed the aggressor and had a better sense of how to shape winners. The native of Belgium committed 34 unforced errors but hit 36 outright winners.

Wozniacki had difficulty holding serve throughout the match. With no aces and 3 double faults, she does not have the velocity to keep bigger hitters off the baseline. Wozniacki’s first serve averaged 89 mph vs 100 mph by the winner.

Both women showed poise and exhibited remarkable on-court personality. The crowd was especially delighted not to hear the constant grunting and outbursts that have become part of the new-age women’s game. Rather, both players appeared to be enjoying themselves. Wozniacki looks to have an endorsement future ahead with a glamorous smile yet competitive personality. The Dane has won more tennis matches in 2009 than any other player on the tour.

Clijsters would probably not be playing had she not been invited to play an exhibition match at Wimbledon. Kim embraced the training with newfound enthusiasm and has managed to bring the joy of playing to center court. A former number one player and 2005 U.S. Open Champion, she should be ranked in the top 10. The 19 year old Wozniacki is currently ranked 9th and should be moving up, but is clearly not up to Clijsters level of play.

Clijsters won the tournament by knocking out both Williams sisters, Marion Bartoli and Na Li of China. This was an impressive run throughout the draw and the deserving champion should be in even better shape for 2010.

Melanie Oudin! Georgia peach! 5’ 6” might be stretching it. She’s is short, she is square, she is cute as a button and packed with energy. On Thursday before a filled Arthur Ashe Stadium, little Melanie Oudin hoisted the youth of American tennis on her capable shoulders and a mesmerized nation across the finish line… in style.

There was no way Melanie Oudin could compete with the hottest player on the women’s professional tennis tour. No way! The problem is noone told the determined Georgia Peach that she could not beat 4th seeded 5’11” Russian glamour girl Elena Dementieva. So, just as she has done all her life, she put on her little tennis outfit, strapped up her right leg brace and carried her game and big heart onto Center Court.

As expected, Elena came out smoking and broke Melanie’s serve right out of the gate. Elena held to go up 2-0 and the crowd sensed it would be a quick out for the young blonde. But, suddenly balls that should have been outright winners were coming back. Dementieva was forced to hit two and three and sometimes even four more shots than expected. It was aggravating, really.

Elena was not used to this. Oudin became a human backboard. Everything was retrievable. Drop shots, down the line stunners, cross-court drives and quality serves that should have been aces all kept coming back. This just does not happen to players of Elena’s stature. Elena Dementieva knows when she has struck a winner. But, all bets were off as the frisky upstart simply chased down every ball.

Not only was she retrieving everything, Melanie was showing a deft touch and holding her court position. She never backed off the baseline. She was making impossible half court volleys and converting Dementieva drop shots to power drives past her outstretched opponent. Melanie Oudin rose to the occasion, seized the moment and captured the imagination of millions of tennis fans around the world.

The stunning win brought back memories of the 1980 U.S. men’s hockey team’s unbelievable win over the Soviet Union. Such was the depth of this upset. Hey, Melanie Oudin is a high school senior. Elena Dementieva has been playing professional tennis since 1999 when Melanie was 7 years old!

Many tennis experts, including myself, picked the much-improved Russian to upset Serena Williams and win the tournament. Now, those same experts are wondering if New Jersey native, 20 year old Christina McHale, could ever knock of the other 5’11” Russian superstar, Maria Sharapova.

About halfway through the second set, Oudin began to take the play to Elena. Melanie kept forcing the action, pressing shots. She committed 44 unforced errors but hit a whopping 30 outright winners. The unseeded American won 104 points to Dementieva’s 100.

After dropping the first set 5-7, Oudin took charge with two breaks in set two and held on for a 6-4 win. In the third set, she broke Dementieva out of the starting blocks and never looked back winning 6-3.

Other players on the verge of an upset have shown nerves. Even Dementieva who had Serena on the ropes at Wimbledon, cracked under the pressure. Oudin showed no fear. She never hesitated. She looked victory in the eye and kept going for it until she had it.

If there was ever any doubt that Melanie Oudin was a fierce competitor, forget it. Ms. Oudin has the calm determination of an experienced gunfighter. If you have any doubts, ask the number four seed, who will be watching the rest of the U.S. Open on a television set.

Way to go, Melanie Oudin! Rest up. They will be gunning for you now, kiddo.