A Serve Under the Microscope
Alex Eala's serve has been one of the most debated topics on the women's tour this summer. The conversation intensified in late July when coach Rennae Stubbs, who works with Serena Williams, declared that the 21-year-old Filipino star would never win a Grand Slam with her current delivery. Stubbs pointed to the serve as a critical weakness, drawing comparisons to what she sees holding Jessica Pegula back as well.
Not everyone agreed. Former British pro Greg Rusedski argued that a few technical adjustments could elevate Eala to the elite tier, while legendary coach Rick Macci went even further, suggesting she has the tools to reach world number one and collect major titles. Stubbs herself has since softened her position, likely influenced by Eala's Washington Open title and a climb to a career-high ranking of 18th in the world.
Auger-Aliassime Weighs In From Experience
Heading into the US Open at Flushing Meadows, Eala partnered Felix Auger-Aliassime in the tournament's mixed doubles competition. The pair fell 4-1, 4-1 to Elina Svitolina and Gael Monfils in the opening round, but something notable happened during practice. Auger-Aliassime was filmed returning Eala's serve, getting a firsthand feel for what opponents face across the net.
Eala's first serve can average under 90 miles per hour, with her second delivery typically landing in the mid-70s. Those numbers rank outside the top 50 in effectiveness on tour. Yet the spin, ball trajectory, and her left-handed angle combine to create genuine problems for returners. Auger-Aliassime confirmed exactly that, calling it truly difficult to handle. That endorsement from a top player carries real weight as Eala chases a deep run in New York. TennisDraw users will be watching her draw closely, with many already flagging her as a bracket sleeper to follow.
