Key Takeaways
- Former US Open finalist Greg Rusedski believes Alexandra Eala has top-10 capability if she refines her serve mechanics, suggesting modifications to her balance, shoulders, and foot movement.
- Prominent figures including John McEnroe and Andrea Petkovic have similarly pinpointed Eala’s delivery as a crucial area to address against power hitters on the WTA Tour.
- The 21-year-old world No. 18 has nonetheless enjoyed a standout 2026 season, winning the Washington title, defeating Iga Swiatek at Wimbledon, and earning an Asian Games bronze medal.
Technical advice for Alexandra Eala to reach the top 10
Former world No. 4 Greg Rusedski believes Alexandra Eala has the tools to enter the world’s top 10, but he argues that significant technical refinements to her serve are necessary to take the next step. Speaking on his podcast, Off Court with Greg, the 1997 US Open finalist identified the delivery as the primary area holding the Filipino star back from securing stronger results.
Rusedski suggested that the world No. 18 should make fixing the stroke an offseason priority. Specifically, he highlighted adjustments to her shoulder positioning, pre-strike motion, and footwork. He noted that sliding the back foot forward instead of executing a small hop could provide superior balance during the motion.
Addressing the ongoing development of the 21-year-old, Rusedski remarked, “I’m sure Alex and the rest of her team know this is something she’s gonna have to continually work on.” The former British No. 1 acknowledged that mid-season mechanical overhauls are difficult given the relentless weekly tour schedule, but he expressed confidence in her support circle, led by Spanish coach Joan Bosch from the Rafael Nadal Academy.
Praise for competitive spirit and outside assessment
While pointing out areas for technical growth, Rusedski maintained that Eala’s baseline game and determination are already at an elite standard. Following her fourth-round run at Wimbledon, he compared her fighting mindset to Rafael Nadal and praised how she tackles adversity on court. He has also previously referenced Novak Djokovic’s relaxed wrist action as a technical model for serving, in addition to recommending added gym work to build physical power.
Rusedski is not alone in identifying the serve as a pivotal focus. Seven-time major winner John McEnroe noted that improvements on serve will be vital if Eala hopes to claim a Grand Slam trophy. Former WTA competitor Andrea Petkovic echoed that sentiment, emphasizing that struggling to hold serve routinely leaves players vulnerable against powerful ball-strikers such as Aryna Sabalenka, Elena Rybakina, and Coco Gauff.
Milestone achievements across the 2026 campaign
Despite ongoing critique regarding her delivery, Eala has put together a breakthrough 2026 season. She claimed her first WTA Tour singles trophy in Washington, defeating Zheng Qinwen, Leylah Fernandez, Elina Svitolina, Naomi Osaka, and rallying past Jessica Pegula 4-6, 6-4, 6-0 in the championship match to secure historic success for the Philippines.
At Wimbledon, she secured a landmark 7-6(9), 6-2 third-round victory over defending champion Iga Swiatek before falling to Jasmine Paolini in three sets. Eala also recorded a third-round finish at the US Open, falling in three sets to Iva Jovic, and collected an Asian Games bronze medal in Japan following a semifinal defeat to Wang Xiyu. She next enters the Wuhan Open as the 13th seed, where she opens against a qualifier.
WTA Wuhan - Alexandra Eala's projected path
Alexandra Eala in 2026
At the moment ranked no.18 (career-high), Alexandra played her last match on the 24th of September when she surrendered to world no.123 Tatiana Prozorova 4-6 7-5 6-3 in the 2nd round in Singapore (draw).
This season the Filipino has an overall 40-22 match record. Eala clinched 2 titles in 2026 in the Birmingham and Washington.
