Name: Alexandra Stevenson
Nationality: USA
Residence: San Diego, California, USA
Birth Date: December 15, 1980
Birth Place: La Jolla, California, USA
Height: 6'1'' (1.85 m)
Weight: 156 lbs. (71 kg)
Plays: Right-handed (one-handed backhand)
Status: Pro (June 1999)
"It's been the hardest thing I think I've ever gone through. Kind of like Martha Stewart said: When you're in prison, no one cares about you, and when you get out, you have to reinvent yourself. I kind of agree with her there not that I was in prison,"
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| Alexandra Stevenson is a professional tennis player. She shocked the tennis world when she became the first qualifying player to advance to the semifinals at Wimbledon. But the real surprise came when basketball hall-of-famer Julius Erving acknowledged that he is Stevenson's father. Stevenson's mother, freelance sports journalist Samantha Stevenson raised her daughter alone, with financial support from Erving. She grew up playing on hardcourts in Southern California (from age of nine). Her interests include outside tennis, singing, and dancing.
• Invited to play on the United States Senate tennis court in 2003 during Fed Cup appearance in Washington, DC, and met First Lady Laura Bush.
• In 2002, met with South Carolina Governor Jim Hodges to talk about bringing the Confederate Flag down from Statehouse and was invited by Hodges to speak before the General Assembly; met for breakfast with Tennessee Governor Don Sundquist to discuss tennis in US.
• From April-September 2002, participated with Monica Seles in Bayer Aspirin for American Heart Association Aces, a program in which Bayer donated $1,500 dollars to the American Heart Association for each ace served (Stevenson served 127); program still continues as Alexandra’s Aces.
• In 2002, created ‘Where in the World is Alexandra?’ e-mail for Billie Jean King and Illana Kloss World Team Tennis schools program and continues to send travel diaries to selected schools and media outlets.
• Published article in New York Times on September 23, 2001 about Manuel Del Valle, Jr., a firefighter who died September 11, 2001; wore Fire Engine #5 patch on hat for one year to honor Del Valle’s life (US Open also honored Del Valle, who was a driver for the tournament, prior to the 2002 men’s final).
• In 2000, spoke before the Oklahoma State Congress during the Oklahoma City tournament.
• Threw first pitch at a 2000 Toronto Blue Jays Major League Baseball game; threw first pitch at 2002 San Diego Padres Major League Baseball game and traded racquet for World Series bat from long-time friend, Tony Gwynn.
• Has received instruction from some of the greatest legends in the sport: Ellsworth Vines, a Wimbledon champion in 1932 and a US champion in 1931 and 1932, gave Stevenson a lesson on how to hit a one-handed backhand; Bobby Riggs, Don Budge and Tracy Austin have also tutored her; Riggs used to entice Stevenson by putting $100 bills under cones on the court.
• Won Bronze Medal in singles at 1999 Pan American Games.
• Named TENNIS magazine’s 1999 Rolex Rookie of the Year and featured cover story in 1999.
• Named PEOPLE magazine’s Newcomer of 2000.
• Won fast-serve contest (and a $500 watch) for spectators at the 1997 Infiniti Open in Los Angeles; served at 117 mph.
• In juniors, member of United States National Team in 1997, ranked No.5 in US Girls’ 18s in 1996; won doubles at 1997 US Open with Marissa Irvin; won doubles with Irvin at 1997 USTA National Girls’ 18s and reached singles SF; doubles finalist with Tracy Singian at 1996 USTA National Girls’ 18s; finalist at 1996 USTA National Girls’ 18 Clay Courts and SF in 1995; SF at 1994 USTA National Girls’ 16s.
• Won three California high school (CIF) singles titles 1995-97 and team titles in 1995 and 1996 for LaJolla Country Day school in San Diego, California, USA, becoming the first player in 67-year history of school to win a state tennis title; also was named the CIF Most Valuable Player 1995-97.
• Tour mentor was Tracy Austin in the Partners for Success Alumni program.
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