SERVING ACES: Conversations with Alexandra Stevenson

Serving Aces, Conversations with Alexandra Stevenson and Hugues Laverdière. Alexandra and Ougi talk about young Ben Shelton and his clay court preparation in Rome. They discuss Novak Djokovic and his hit on the head by a metal water bottle. He most likely suffered a concussion and lost his match. Nadal's exit and the Rock Star audience of 15,000 people serenading him as he left Rome. Below the famous bridge. Like the Beatles. Strange times on the tennis tour with Camila Giorgi on the run allegedly from tax authorities. She's quietly retired. Tsitispas and Badosa break up. Truest Love story with Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift. Taylor in Paris. New outfits. Versace. And, Including Kansas City Chiefs red outfit. Kelce watched her concert. Yannik Noah day at the French Open. The quote of the day: "I have always considered tennis as a combat in an arena between two gladiators - who have their racquets and their courage as their weapons." Yannik Noah

Alexandra and Ougi discuss, the clay court winners in Barcelona, Stuttgart. Nadal and his quotes on playing. Clay court style and who is successful at it. They discuss the WTA Tour going to Saudi Arabia for the year end Championships, and Martina Navratilova's statement about it. Alexandra brings in her newsy notes, including Zendaya on the cover of Vogue. And....The overnight drop of Miss Swift deluxe Tortured Poets Department Album. http://@Alexandrastevenson

In Serving Aces, Alexandra Stevenson and co-host Hugues Laverdière talk tennis,golf, and newsy notes in pop culture. Alexandra says there are parallels in golf and tennis. She talks about Scottie Scheffler Masters win and the ability to bring in new people to his team, something she sees in tennis. Ougi talks about the Masters, including technique and what he saw. Alexandra and Ougi complimented England beating France in the BJK Cup and other Qualifying team. They talk Djokovic, his rough season, and questioning Nadal playing in Barcelona - and beyond. Alexandra’s newsy notes include Zendaya and her high fashion in promoting her Movie, “Challengers.” She talks Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce at Coachella, the music festival. Alexandra ends with a Tiger Woods quote. “The greatest thing about tomorrow is I will be better than I am today.” Alexandra said in regard to tennis - the tennis court is your sanctuary.

Alexandra Stevenson and co-host Hugues Laverdière join together to break down sports across the board. The women's NCAA basketball leads the podcast with a cast of characters that has made everyone who cares about sport - tune in - in fact 14 million tuned in for Iowa-U Conn. Alexandra gives props to South Carolina Coach Dawn Staley - for her coaching and her fashion. She gives a nod to South Carolina Cardoza the 6'7" Brazilian - and says goodbye to 6 ft -three point genius - Caitlin Clark - who brought the game of women's basketball in college - to new heights - and maybe even greater heights in the WNBA where Clark is going next. Ougi's court talks about Danielle Collins - the power and consistency that made her game a winning proposition for 13 matches. They note that she was crushing second serves - and perhaps the women on the WTA Tour should take note that taking out the second serve wins championships. Alexandra discusses her era in the early 2000s and how her first serve and second serve led the Tour. Alexandra and Ougi also talk about the Tiafoe-Shelton finals in Houston - and throw out coaching advice to Tiafoe, who got rid of his coach. Sadly, they talk about Nadal and not being able to play Monte Carlo. They wonder if Roland Garros will be in the cards for the likable Grand Slam Champion Nadal. Alexandra throws in some newsy notes about Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce, Beyonce and her Cowboy Carter album, and fashion meeting sport - with all the big designers looking to partner with elite athletes. Ougi reminds Alexandra that the Masters is around the corner - and he will be bringing his golf expertise to the podcast - as Ougi has a golf academy with his tennis academy.

Alexandra Stevenson and co-host Hugues Laverdière bring Serving Aces to a new level with a discussion of tennis and basketball. Alexandra discusses Dimitrov bringing the one-handed backhand back at the Miami Open - and putting himself into the top ten. Ougi joins in with the women and Danielle Collins -and in Ougi's court - he talks about the Serve and the difficulties and differences of getting a serve. Practice makes perfect, Ougi says. March Madness has been a huge success on both the men's and women's games. Indeed, Alexandra mentions that the women had 12 million viewers on ESPN for the Iowa-LSU matchup. Caitlin Clark was a major draw, but so was Kim Mulkey and her LSU team including Angel Reese - who was decidedly quiet in the game without her normal trash talking. Alexandra brings in some newsy notes and talks about the three Presidents at a fundraiser in NYC for Joe Biden's campaign. It was Biden, Obama, and Clinton. They raised 26 million dollars. The quote of the podcast was from Obama.

Serving Aces, Conversations with Alexandra Stevenson and co-host Hugues Laverdière talk Miami Open. The Saudi Arabia billion dollar bid to take over the ATP and WTA Tours. The Four Grand Slams coming up with the Premier Tour - trying to take it away from the Saudis. Alexandra spent the week at the Junior Easter Bowl. Ougi discusses cheating juniors and the rampant cheating on the tennis court - and how players are being taught to cheat. Ougi gives a suggestion in Ball is in Ougi's Court on how to combat bullies on the tennis court. Newsy notes covers Princess Catherine of Wales, Travis Kielce and Taylor Swift, the Skating World Championships.

Alexandra Stevenson and co-host Hugues "Ougi" Laverdiere discuss Carlos Alcaraz and the complete Spanish style of play during his matches at Indian Wells. They note that his second serve was impressive and the ability to come to net and keep Medvedev off balance. Medvedev showed that playing from the far back of the court didn't ultimately help him against Alcaraz. After the close first set that ended in a 7-5 tie for Alcaraz, Medvedev lost any glitter he might have had with his forehand. His feet looked late to the ball - and Alcaraz capitalized on his errors. Swiatek reigned supreme because of her movement, but not because of her volley acumen - which is non-existent. The women side of Indian Wells was underwhelming. Newsy Notes: Alexandra mentions Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce making the Madonna - Guy Oseary party hosted by Gucci. No photographs or phones allowed. Alexandra tells Ougi to get his bracket filled out tomorrow as Madness begins on the 19th. Novak Djokovic pulled out of the Miami Open - which begins tomorrow. Novak cited personal and professional schedules that preclude him from playing. With the French Wimbledon and the Olympics on the horizon - Novak is planning a tighter schedule for himself. The quote of the podcast from World number One Djokovic: "I'm balancing my private and professional schedule."

In "Serving Aces" Alexandra Stevenson and co-host Hugues Laverdière talk about Novak Djokovic's three set loss to the Italian, Luca Nardi, a 20 year-old, who kept Djokovic's poster on his bedroom wall in the town of Pesaro, Italy. Alexandra discusses the extra sand that is used to lay the court - prior to the tournament start -that is making it difficult for players in their matches. Alexandra says the ball jumps up at them. Alexandra says you have to hit hard and heavy to make the ball go through the court. They catch up on other matches - and Alexandra discusses the player branding that is going on with both the ATP and the WTA Tour - allowing players to capitalize on outside business interests. She has a theory that Djokovic is in a "training" phase as his legs are much stronger than in Australia - and perhaps this is to get ready for the clay season. The Oscars' winner of the night - without receiving the golden Oscar - was Ryan Gosling, in a rip-roaring singing and dancing presentation of "I'm Just Ken." Gosling was dressed in a sparkly pink suit and pink gloves. It appeared to be a throwback to Marilyn Monroe's dance number in "Some Like It Hot." Alexandra tells Ougi about going to the Madonna Celebration Tour. She had floor seats, close to the stage - and she said she was surrounded by wonderful, decked out gay guys, in pearls, Newsboy hats - and charming shout outs to "Madge." The quote of the podcast is a shout out to Jimmy Kimmel - and the branding on both Tours. "Powerful ideas are just in your pocket." Quote from Jimmy Kimmel.

Alexandra Stevenson in Serving Aces, discusses the Nadal Alcaraz exhibition, Alcaraz winning. She moves on to the top five women seeds and the top five men seeds at Indian Wells, which begins Wednesday. Alexandra welcomes her youngest guest, junior tennis player, Kareena Cross - no. 6 in 12s and no. 36 in the nation in 12s. Kareena discusses what it's like to be a junior player, her goals, and her analysis of the professionals - which is entertaining and shows what's inside the mind of an 11 year-old. Alexandra ends the podcast with her memories of her early days at Indian Wells as a 15 year-old wild card.

Alexandra Stevenson and co-host Hugues Laverdière break down the incident in the Dubai Tennis Championships when Coco Gauff had an altercation with the chair umpire Pierre Bacchi. Alexandra examines the idea of an older white man talking down to a young black woman. The argument went on for about five to six minutes - Coco demanding a Tour Supervisor and Bacchi refusing. Coco was playing Pliskova and it was Coco serving at 4-2 when Pliskova hit her serve in the net. Bacchi called the serve out AFTER Pliskova had hit the ball in the net. The point should go to Coco. However Bacchi said she had to play the point over. Coco said it was her point - and she requested the Tour Supervisor to settle the point rule. It was clear Bacchi wasn't listening to anything Coco was saying. He continued to deny Coco an audience with the Tour Supervisor. The Ball is in Ougi's court discusses the one-handed backhand. Who is left on the two Tours with a one-handed backhand - and why it is important to still teach the technique. Alexandra and Ougi move on to where the two Tours are in the world - winners and losers. Newsy notes covers Travis Kelce partying in Las Vegas with girls! And Alexandra does a rundown of the SAG Awards, leading into the Oscars March 10. The quote of the podcast goes to Coco Gauff who said over and over to Umpire Bacchi, "Call the supervisor. You can't deny me the supervisor. I'm going to ask her what the rule is..."

Alexandra Stevenson and Hugues Laverdière in Serving Aces discuss the one handed back hand - the art of the one-handed backhand and why it is disappearing. Alexandra says no more one-handed players in men's top 10 with the new rankings. Sakkari and Pegula let go of their coaches. Sakkari had Tom Hill for six years. Pegula had David Witt for five years. They discuss winners and losers in the different ATP and WTA Tours. Alexandra mentions the NBA All Star Game. Tells Ougi about Steph Curry and Sabrina Ionesco from the WNBA. They did a 3 point challenge shoot-out. Curry 29 and Ionesco 26. Ougi and Alexandra get into footwork on the tennis court before and after the shot. Things to look out for. Newsy notes with BAFTAS and Peoples Choice Awards, Genesis Open at the Riviera and the disqualification of Jordan Spieth for messing up his scorecard. The shootings in Kansas City. In America it's Presidents Day. Quote of the podcast goes to John Wooden..."We can have no progress without change...whether it be basketball or anything else."

Super Bowl is a worldwide event and certainly an American national unofficial holiday. Alexandra and Ougi in Serving Aces do a next day post super Bowl wrap up with the highlights that brought the Chiefs their Championships 25-22. Alexandra talks about Patrick Mahomes and his amazing ability to make plays when it matters and the wild defensive play on both sides. The duo gets in Usher, fashion, Super Bowl ads and their favorites.They talk about the football mental toughness. Alexandra stands up for the strong analysis of Tony Romo - even though pundits are taking him apart for some of his late game opinion. Alexandra says that there were 123.4 million people watching the Super Bowl in the United States. Alexandra mentions Travis Kelce bumping into head coach Andy Reid. Her quote of the podcast is "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious." in honor of Patrick Mahomes as NFL MVP going to Disneyland. Famous song moment from Mary Poppins by Mary Poppins!

Ougi is in Las Vegas with his family. Alexandra talked about the scene in front of him - Las Vegas spread outing front of him. They talk 49ers KC Chiefs. Alexandra says her heart is with Mahomes but she picks 49ers to win and Ougi picks the Chiefs. They talk where in the world is tennis in a season that has everyone yawning so far. David Witt leaving Jessica Pegula as her coach was biggest news. Carlos Alcaraz has a BMW commercial. Osaka is a wild card in Abu Dahbi. Big question is can she compare her game with Swiatek, Sabalenka, and Rybakina. Osaka says she will just be patient. Alexandra compared Osaka and Wozniacki in their personalities. Alexandra said Osaka is quiet with her talk to the media - while Wozniacki is aggressive and loud about winning. Wozniacki says she should win everything she plays. Their game styles are as opposite as their personalities. They talk about Jay Z calling out the Grammys. Miley Cyrus. Fashion picks from Alexandra and outfit changes. Alexandra shouts out to Trevor Noah as an amazing host. She gives him a 10. They end the podcast calling out Taylor Swift, who has been a season favorite of Alexandra for not acknowledging the iconic Celine Dion on stage. Ougi lives in Quebec. Celine is from Montreal. Canada is upset with Taylor for snubbing the great Dion. Miley Cyrus was presented her first Grammy from Mariah Carey. She not only hugged her, she acknowledge her with butterflies in her acceptance speech. Taylor Swift was more interested in marketing her next album. It was definitely a faux pax that perhaps shows us a real side of Taylor Swift.

Alexandra Stevenson in "Serving Aces," with co-host Hugues Laverdière open the podcast with the biggest weekend in the NFL - the AFC and NFC Championships. Kansas City won the AFC - and San Francisco - won the NFC Championships. The interesting part of this podcast are the mental challenges that all of the teams and athletes faced this weekend. Alexandra emphasized that it was the biggest sports weekend for her with football, tennis, and figure skating at US Nationals. Alexandra and Ougi wrap up the Australian Open. They discuss Medvedev, Sinner, Sabalenka. First week of AO a lot of three setters. Medvedev had four five set matches and played a total of 24 hours and 17 minutes. Jannick Sinner is the second Italian to win a Grand Slam. Adriano Panatta was the first Italian in 1976 at the French Open. Alexandra briefly discusses Zverev and his legal troubles with a domestic abuse trial looming in May during the French Open. Women and Men Figure Skating for the US Nationals holds special favor for Alexandra as she has watched it since a 5 year-old. She tells Ougi about all of the ins and outs and the winners. Her quote of the podcast went to Jannik Sinner who said, "You live with this kind of movement. You don't even realize how fast you're moving." So said the young skier from Italy. He did mention that it is -20 where his parents live in his post-win speech at AO.

Alexandra and Ougi talk Taylor Swift and her cool jackets that she wears to the Chiefs games. Alexandra gives a shout out to two insta-influencers who are WAGS, the girl friends of Taylor Fritz and Francis Tiafoe. Alexandra says they have the best AO fashion beating out any players. Alexandra and Ougi discuss Australia Day 9 - men's and Women's players. Alexandra and Ougi note that's its the biggest weekend in sport with the NFL Divisional games. 8 teams started - and four teams moved on to next week end. They discuss the four teams - Chiefs-Ravens and Lions- 49ers. Alexandra says defense in the NFL was big this weekend. She compares defense in tennis with the defense in the NFL. She talks Gauff and the qualifier Yastremska. Ougi says his new winner picks are Sinner and Sabalenka. Alexandra is not committed but says her options are Gauff and the talented Yastremska. She pauses at choosing Sabalenka. The quote of the podcast honors Motown, created by the iconic Berry Gordy. Motown was a record label - part of the Motor City in Detroit, founded in 1959 by Gordy. Gordy said, "Motown was about music for all people - white and black - blue and green - cops and robbers. The Lions played Motown music before and after the game.

Alexandra and Ougi bring in D.J. Linx and discuss the players at the Australian Open. They talk Day Seven matches . Medvedev. Gauff. Felix. Shelton. Paul. The women who went down. The men who went down. Kyrgios and his lack of sparkling personality - unable at this time to bring controversial and fun banter in the television box as a commentator. Kyrgios is big on social media - but D.J. Linx points out writing on twitter is totally different than being in person on television in the box. It would be must see tv if the real Nick will bring it. Alexandra explains about her position in the box in comparison to Nick's position in the box. She says he needs to bring his magnetic, fun personality - get looser. They talk Ben Shelton and his loss, but his growth in the game. The trio turns to football - and Alexandra says the football quarterbacks are a lot like the 20 something tennis competitors. She lists the 20-something men's side on the ATP Tour. Plus the 20 something quarterbacks playing this weekend. They talk about the divisional games Saturday and Sunday -with the 8 teams. Alexandra mentions the early days of the 2000s when she watched the NFL divisional games on television with Serena - in her suite. They describe the greatness of Patrick Mahomes and Alexandra tells the guys about Taylor Swift saying hello to Mahomes' father. Alexandra says it's wonderful that the Buffalo fans came out with snow shovels and they were paid 20 dollars each to help scrape the snow driven stadium. The expected forecast is 20 degrees. In honor of the quarterbacks this weekend, Alexandra's Quote of the podcast: "In any team sport the best teams have consistency and chemistry." Roger Staubach, 1970s Dallas Cowboys.

Alexandra Stevenson and Hugues Laverdière talk about Day Three at Australian Open on MLK Day. The duo talks about Osaka losing, Swiatek winning - and Felix and Thiem matches. Sad to see Murray, Wawrinka and Raonic exit early. Alexandra talks about the open bars around the Aussie Open grounds, Chuckie Cheese moving to Australia - and Queen Mary from Hobart rising to Queen of Denmark with King Frederik. Alexandra announces Nadal's ambassador role in Saudi Arabia and John McEnroe's "laughable" quote about the women going to the Saudi country for the WTA Tour Finals. Alexandra's podcast quote is from Martin Luther King, Jr. "I was a drum major for justice, peace, and righteousness."

Serving Aces has a special guest in Coach Eric Riley from Philadelphia. Riley coached Lisa Raymond and Pam Shriver. Riley graduated from Penn and was the first Black Captain of the Penn tennis team. He now coaches rising junior tennis players and travels the country helping their development in tournaments and practice weeks. Alexandra calls it her "Coaches Corner" on Day 2 of the Australian Open. The trio discusses the matches from Day 1 and what is happening in Day 2. The topic of the show is about players of the Australian Open 2024. Alexandra talks Novak, Osaka, Gauff and more. Riley says tennis is an amazing sport and understands there's only a handful of players who can get through a Grand Slam. Riley thinks Ben Shelton is his player of the tournament. Novak is the favorite, Riley agrees. He throws Tsitsipas in as a tough player who may make it. Nick Kyrgios, known for his bad boy image, makes his debut in the ESPN booth with John McEnroe, calling the Tsitsipas match. McEnroe baits him several times including calling Tsitsipas' father "the old man" and Kyrgios just says oh, the father is a good support. McEnroe says am I talking to Nick Kyrgios. Who are you? McEnroe continues to try and get Kyrgios to do something outrageous. It doesn't happen. Boring for sure to McEnroe. They talk service motions and Andy Roddick abbreviating Coco Gauff's serve.

Alexandra Stevenson brings a fun program with her co-host and coach Hugues Laverdière and Eliot Teltscher, formerly 6 in the world in 1983. She calls it "Coaches Corner" - something she plans to do during the Australian Open with Ougi and other coaches. Alexandra pointedly says the pundits need to quit comparing Coco Gauff to Serena Williams. Alexandra says they compare Coco to Serena because she is black. So. She says - stop doing that - compare Coco to herself. Eliot says she plays more like Sanchez Vicario and Sabatini. Ougi agrees with Alexandra on skin color. The trio move on and take on Nick Kyrgios and his comment that the serve and volley players in generation of Sampras, Edberg, Becker, Rafter - could not play against the players of today. Alexandra says "No." Sampras, Edberg, Becker, Rafter - would "eat them for lunch" today. Alexandra talks about the amazing technique - including serve and volley - of an older John McEnroe - and what she saw when she hit with him in October in Malibu, California. They continue to discuss the different players in the Australian Open and their picks for the men's and women's draws. Alexandra talks about Naomi Osaka and her return - and how her team is setting her up for the next five years. She has brought in a prima ballerina to get her core back and her deep knee bends - and she is back with former coach Wim Fissette. Alexandra says Osaka will bring it against Coco Gauff eventually - if not this year.

"Serving Aces: Conversations with Alexandra Stevenson" - and with co-host Hugues Laverdiere. The duo breaks down key parts and exciting matchups for the 2024 Australian Open, the first Grand Slam of the professional tennis season. The two give their picks for the winners in the men's and women's draw. Alexandra ends with newsy notes in the tennis world. Alexandra and Ougi will post their podcast wrap-up of the 2024 Australian Open each night of the tournament January 14-28.