SERVING ACES: Conversations with Alexandra Stevenson – Details, episodes & analysis

Alexandra Stevenson and co-host Hugues Laverdière discuss the first round of the US Open.  They talk about the easy matches, and Jannick Sinner's WADA slap of the hand after Indian Wells. Alexandra introduces fun fashion looks to watch for at the US Open.  Nakashima and Ben Shelton get nods from Alexandra and Ougi.

"Serving Aces" with Alexandra Stevenson and Hugues Laverdière talk US Open qualifying and hot prospects for the coming weeks.  Alexandra and Ougi discuss Carlos Alcaraz' meltdown with the banging of his racket in Cincinnati.  Alexandra says Djokovic is the smartest player to get the Gold Medal and then not play in any US Open summer events during the Series.  Saving himself for the Flushing Meadows courts.They talk Frances Tiafoe live as he brings back the match against Rune.  Sabalenka and Pegula - and their run to the Finals at Cincy.  The fast courts at Cincy.  Alexandra gives the quote of podcast to Kamala Harris - with the Democratic convention beginning tomorrow. "You think you just fell out of a coconut tree?"

In "Serving Aces", Alexandra Stevenson and co-host Hugues Laverdière talk French Open winners and losers - and why Iga Swiatek and Carlos Alcaraz are so far ahead of their peers.  Carlos Alcaraz is the youngest male player to win Grand Slams on three surfaces hard, clay, and grass. Alcaraz commanded the fourth and fifth sets - against Zverev. Alexandra talks about Swiatek moving through easily after her tough match against Naomi Osaka.  They discuss the difficulty of red clay and calling lines - and Coco Gauff's run-in - again - with the chair on her match against Swiatek.

Alexandra stands up for Gauff - and her upset with the point call. She gives examples of her playing days when calls were incorrect - because there was no on court video replay.  Gauff is calling for the tennis world to move into the 21st century and get video replay for players on court.

Alexandra talks about Caitlin Clark getting pummeled in her game against the Chicago Sky - and brings in metaphors of Taylor Swift songs because of revenge and grudges that are used in female competition.  Ougi calls the Boston Celtics to move into a 4-0 win cycle for the NBA Championship.  Boston is up 2-0.  They mention the US Open golf next week - and Alexandra remembers a police pullover that happened to her - commiserating with Scotty Scheffler and his pullover in Kentucky.  Alexandra's happened when she was playing in the Charleston WTA tennis tournament in South Carolina. The quote of the podcast goes to Coco Gauff and her "this sucks" comment on the bad call and the lack of video replay.

In Serving Aces, Alexandra Stevenson and co-host Hugues Laverdière talk everything French Open.  Iga Swiatek crying in the gym after beating Naomi Osaka.  Novak Djokovic playing the longest match ever at the French Open.  Emma Navarro making it to the fourth round and beating Madison Keys in the third round.  They discuss European coaches, tactics and footwork.  Alexandra rates the best food and nicest ambience at the four Grand Slams.  The quote of the podcast went to Bill Walton, who passed away last week.  He was a huge Deadhead fan and close friend of the band.  Alexandra shared her personal story with Bill and his sons - when she trained with his boys - and when Bill stood by her side in a fatherly way - to give her wisdom on beginning her professional career.

Alexandra Stevenson and Hugues Laverdière discuss the first week of the French Open 2024 in "Serving Aces."  Ougi takes off 'in the ball is in Ougi's Court" with how to play on clay courts.  Alexandra and Ougi break down the top five men and the top five women and talk about their clay ranking points for the season.  Alexandra throws out the popcorn match with Nadal-Zverev on Monday morning.  They make their picks for the French Open.  Alexandra notes that Borg has the quote for any player - especially on the red clay: "My greatest point is my persistence. I never give up in a match.  However down I am - I fight until the last ball."

Serving Aces, Conversations with Alexandra Stevenson and Hugues Laverdière talk Rome, French Open Qualifying, and in Ougi's "The Ball is in Ougi's Court," the duo invite Amelia Laverdière, Ougi's daughter onto the podcast.  Amelia talks about her recent college graduation and her college tennis career.  She graduated with an international business degree with honors in the Professional Tennis Management program. Only 8 schools in the United States have this program. Her school was Ferris State University in Michigan.

Aside from discussing qualifying at the French - Ougi and Alexandra pick a Beatles group in tennis - Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Andre Agassi, and John McEnroe.  Alexandra told Ougi those four would totally be the Beatles in tennis.

Newsy notes looks at the Cannes Film Festival, J Lo, Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift.

They remind everyone that they will have the French Open rundown next Sunday.

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.