The prime-time spotlight, a swirling wind and a steadier opponent spelled an end for the darling of the U.S. Open on Wednesday, as 17-year-old Melanie Oudin faced the first seeded player she couldn't topple.

Despite the fervent cheers of a capacity crowd at Arthur Ashe Stadium, another teen -- Caroline Wozniacki of Denmark -- proved the stronger competitor and advanced to her first Grand Slam semifinal with a 6-2, 6-2 victory.

With a broad smile, Wozniacki apologized to fans for spoiling such a wildly popular story line by defeating Oudin, who had captivated audiences with her come-from-behind upsets of taller, stronger and more accomplished women, including former No. 1 Maria Sharapova.

Oudin returns to Marietta, Ga., having far exceeded expectations. In a sport increasingly dominated by women who approach 6 feet tall, Oudin made a statement about what's still possible for a self-described "normal kid" who's just 5-6, likes going to the movies and the mall, and plays board games and cards with her grandmother.

And she takes home memories that seem more like dreams -- such as shaking hands with Sharapova and being introduced to Roger Federer, who not only knew her name but knew about the matches she had won.

"For me, I'm a perfectionist, so losing today was a disappointment," Oudin said. "Losing isn't good enough for me. But the whole experience here that I've had is going to take me a long way, I think. I've gained a lot of confidence through this tournament, and I think I can only get better."

Despite Oudin's defeat, the U.S. Open's women's semifinals won't lack for teens who are easy to cheer.