Tennis legend Martina Navratilova has suggested that Alex Eala focus on strengthening her serve to elevate her game. The 20-year-old Filipina, ranked world No. 32, is preparing for her seeded debut at the Indian Wells Open. Her rapid rise has drawn comparisons to global icons like Michael Jordan and Taylor Swift from fellow players and experts.
Alex Eala has emerged as a standout talent in women's tennis, reaching a career-high ranking of world No. 31 last week after a quarter-final run at the Dubai Tennis Championships. The 20-year-old Filipina first gained prominence at the 2025 Miami Open, where she advanced to the semi-finals by defeating Iga Swiatek, Madison Keys, and Jelena Ostapenko. She also made history as the first woman from the Philippines in the Open Era to win a Grand Slam main draw match at the 2025 US Open and reached her maiden WTA final at the Eastbourne Open that year.
Ahead of her Indian Wells debut, where she will be seeded 31st and receive a first-round bye, Martina Navratilova offered targeted advice. The 18-time Grand Slam singles champion told the WTA Tour: “She’s crafty. She’s a good lefty. She uses her variety nicely. I think where she can improve the most is her serve, or make it pay off more. She needs a bigger serve and bigger kick. She’s got the slice down pat. Just believe and hold her ground. She is slight of build so it’s harder for her to absorb all that pace. But I think she can beef up a little and punch up that serve.”
Eala's popularity has surged, attracting large crowds at events like the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships and Abu Dhabi Open. Genie Bouchard compared her stardom to Taylor Swift's, adding: “I have to say a little bit of Sania Mirza, back in her heyday... the ceiling that Alex Eala has is obviously that much higher. Maybe Manny Pacquiao when he was at the top of his game and alongside Roger Federer.” Kim Clijsters, on her Love All podcast, likened Eala to “Michael Jordan in the Philippines” and warned of the pressures: “A lot of players know her now — her strengths and weaknesses... dealing with life as a superstar isn’t easy.” Clijsters emphasized protection: “It’s very important for her to be a little bit protected from the craziness that comes with that all.”
The Indian Wells Open begins on March 4, 2026, with Eala set to play in the second round against an unseeded opponent, qualifier, or wildcard.