Alex Eala was told she needs to improve her weak shot if she wants to win a Grand Slam in the future, as John McEnroe shared his thoughts.
Tennis legend John McEnroe has pointed out that Alex Eala’s serve needs some work if she wants to reach the top in Major tournaments. The seven-time Grand Slam winner says the young Filipina has huge potential, but her serve is a weak spot that could hold her back.
McEnroe praised Alex’s overall game and athleticism but wondered if she has everything she needs to compete at the highest level. “In tennis, you need the full package,” he said. “Movement is key, and while she’s a great athlete, to reach the very top, she needs that extra edge.” He also mentioned that not everyone is as tall as players like Elena Rybakina or Aryna Sabalenka, or as fast as Coco Gauff, and that improving these areas could help Alex get to the next level.
When asked about what’s keeping Eala from serious Grand Slam success, McEnroe didn’t hold back: “Her serve is a liability. It’s getting better, but she still has room to improve.” At the recent US Open, Alex’s serve stats showed some struggles — she won slightly fewer points on her first and second serves compared to her opponent, Iva Jovic, hit fewer aces, and had more double faults. These small things can make a big difference in close matches.
Despite the loss, McEnroe believes Alex has a bright future if she fixes these issues. She’s yet to win a top-level Tour title, but many expect her to make deep runs in big tournaments soon. Alex decided to skip the China Open after the US Open, choosing instead to play in the Asian Games to represent the Philippines. But she might play in the Wuhan Open in mid-October, which would be a great chance to win a big title.
Earlier this year, Alex won her first tournament at the Washington Open, and winning a larger event would boost her confidence going into 2027. After her recent loss, she shared some honest thoughts about what she’s learned this year: “I’ve faced so many new challenges and learned a lot about myself, how to handle obstacles, and how to keep fighting. Even though I’m still processing last night’s match, I know I gave it my all, and that makes me happy.”
Alex’s determination and growth promise exciting things ahead as she keeps working to reach her full potential.