Alexandra Stevenson - Early Career

Early Career

As a junior player, Stevenson won the US Open girls' doubles title in 1997. She was ranked the No. 1 junior in the US in 1996.

Stevenson is thought to be the first player at Wimbledon to curtsey to the crowds in all directions at the end of matches. She first did this on a Wimbledon show court, following her 1999 win against Julie Halard. Stevenson said she was inspired by her 15 years of ballet classes, her performances on the stage, and Andre Agassi, who had bowed to the crowd at the end of his matches.

Stevenson reached her career-high ranking of 18th on October 28, 2002.

Interesting Facts:

• Won first doubles title (with Serena Williams) during Leipzig, Germany 2002
• US Open Mixed Doubles SemiFinals with American Brian MacPhie
• First female qualifier to reach Wimbledon Semifinals (John McEnroe accomplished this in 1980)
• Qualifying to quarterfinals, Birmingham, week before Wimbledon Semifinals
• Only amateur to qualify and then win at the Midland, Michigan professional event (at 17 years old)
• Has been featured in a variety of national and international media including MTV, BBC, CNN, Barbara Walters Special (ABC TV), Tennis Channel, Best Damned Sports Show, Good Morning America, Today Show, Oxygen Television, People Magazine, Tennis Magazine, (Cover 1999) ESPN Magazine, ESPN TV, ESPN.com, Elle Magazine, Vogue Magazine, Glamour Magazine, Ebony Magazine, Sports Illustrated, Women's Sports and Fitness Magazine, Washington Post, New York Times, New York Observer, Louisiana Times, USA Today (Cover1999) The Times, Australian Age, and numerous other outlets throughout world.
• Graduated from La Jolla Country Day School in May, 1999 (with honors and 3.4 average)
• Other interests include drama and singing. Has performed in The Nutcracker (San Diego City Ballet) Guys and Dolls (high school production), Bye Bye Birdie (high school production), Grease (high school production) among other plays and musicals. Off Broadway musical walk-on role. Sang, "Joy to the World" for Millennium audience in Australia at Hopman Cup – televised throughout Australia.

Awards and honors

• Member of U.S. Hopman Cup Team (2000)
• Member of U.S. Pan American Games Team (1999) (Bronze medal)
• Member U.S. Professional Development Program (1998–2002)
• Member U.S. National Team (1994–1996)
• Received 1997 Breitbard Athlete of the Year Award
• Given Key to the city of San Diego by Mayor 1999
• Member United States Fed Cup team 2002-2003 (three teams)
• Recognized by Governor of South Carolina for efforts to bring down the Confederate flag over the State House. Flag was removed to a confederate cemetery.
• Recognized by elementary schools in California for "Where in the World is Alexandra" – an email sent to elementary classrooms from Alexandra Stevenson about tennis around the world and what is required of a tennis player and citizen of world.
• "Alexandra's Aces" In 2003 served 127 aces to benefit American Heart Association
• Graduated December 15, 2007, University of Colorado. Bachelor of Liberal Arts, Sociology, Dean's List. Honor Society. (Unique as Final 8 member to have graduated while playing professional tennis.)
• Inducted into the La Jolla Country Day School Hall of Fame on December 4, 2009.