Alex Eala’s Biggest Flaw Uncovered as Tennis Bigwig Reveals What Her Coach Must Fix First

On September 5, 2026, at Arthur Ashe Stadium during the US Open, Alexandra Eala faced off against Iva Jovic in a highly anticipated match. Eala, who had previously led 4-2 in the deciding set, ultimately fell short, losing 7-5, 3-6, 7-5. The defeat marked her third consecutive loss to Jovic, her closest friend on tour.

Former Coco Gauff coach Brad Gilbert has pointed out that Eala's serve may be her biggest weakness. During a recent appearance on The Big T podcast, Gilbert suggested that Eala's first serves should be around 103-105 mph, rather than her current average of 73 mph. He believes that increasing the pace of her serve could significantly elevate her game, though he acknowledges the work that would be required to achieve this goal.

Eala has faced similar criticism from other experts, including Greg Rusedski, who noted that she could generate more power by adjusting her throwing position and wrist movement. Despite these concerns, Eala's serve has proven to be a valuable asset in certain situations. Tennis coach Rick Macci has suggested that Eala's serving motion may benefit from a more comprehensive biomechanical overhaul, particularly by leveraging her legs and timing.

Despite her inconsistent serve, Eala has managed to trouble even the best players in the world. Former world No. 1 Iga Swiatek admitted that returning Eala's slower serve was mentally challenging for her, as she struggled to accept missed returns. Eala's ability to attack the next ball, even with a slower serve, has helped turn that apparent weakness into a formidable weapon.