They'll be the tournament's odd couple on court but emerging US youngster Melanie Oudin believes she and team-mate John Isner can be a threat in the mixed teams Hopman Cup.

The Americans are seeded seventh in the eight-nation event, but Oudin showed at last year's US Open and Wimbledon that she was more than capable of springing a surprise.

Oudin reached the fourth round at Wimbledon, defeating Jelena Jankovic in the process, and then went one better at the US Open, reaching the quarter-finals, with Hopman Cup rival Elena Dementieva and former world no.1 Maria Sharapova among her scalps.

Yesterday, the 18-year-old Oudin said she didn't fear any of her Hopman cup rivals.

"I pulled it off at the US Open and maybe we can pull it off here," she said.

"Everyone in the draw is tough but I think doing well at Wimbledon and the US Open this past year really helps my confidence.

"Going into (tournaments) now I won't be afraid who I play in the first round or within the draw."

Oudin, ranked 48th in the world, and Isner open their Hopman Cup campaign against Spaniards Tommy Robredo and Maria Jose Martinez Sanchez tomorrow.

The Americans then face top seeds and home side Australia on Tuesday, which will pit Oudin against world no.13 Samantha Stosur.

Sign up to our free newsletters

Get the best updates straight to your inbox:
Please select at least one mailing list.

You can unsubscribe at any time by clicking the link in the footer of our emails. We use Mailchimp as our marketing platform. By subscribing, you acknowledge that your information will be transferred to Mailchimp for processing.