Andrea Petkovic Identifies Weakness in Alexandra Eala's Serve

The former German pro says Eala's inconsistent serve will make it difficult for her to defeat top players.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 11:37pm

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Andrea Petkovic, a former German professional tennis player, has warned rising Filipino star Alexandra Eala that her inconsistent serve will be a major obstacle in her quest to defeat top players and win major titles. Petkovic praised Eala's impressive return game and early ball-striking ability, but noted that the 20-year-old's serve has been a weak point, especially against big hitters like Aryna Sabalenka, Elena Rybakina, and Coco Gauff.

Why it matters

Eala has quickly become one of the biggest names in women's tennis, attracting a massive fan following in her home country of the Philippines. However, her inconsistent results have been a concern, and Petkovic's analysis highlights a crucial area that Eala needs to improve if she wants to consistently challenge the top players and win major titles.

The details

Petkovic pointed out that Eala has shown she can be dominant when her serve is firing, as evidenced by her performance at the Dubai tournament where she served over 60% first serves and was able to beat anyone. But Petkovic noted that Eala's serve has been very inconsistent over the past year and a half, with weeks where she struggles to make first serves, leaving her second serve vulnerable to attack from the top players.

  • Eala first rose to prominence in late 2022, winning the US Open junior title.
  • At this year's Australian Open, Eala suffered a first-round exit against American Alycia Parks.
  • Following her strong performance on the ITF Circuit, Eala received a wildcard at the 2025 Miami Open, where she made a historic run to the semifinals as a 19-year-old wildcard.

The players

Andrea Petkovic

A former German professional tennis player who has provided analysis on Eala's game.

Alexandra Eala

A 20-year-old Filipino tennis player who has quickly become one of the biggest names in women's tennis, but has struggled with consistency in her results.

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What they’re saying

“One thing and, unfortunately, a big thing: her serve. We've seen what she can do when she has a good serving week, which was in Dubai. For example, she served over 60% first serve. She was really hitting her spots, then she can do basically anything because she can beat anybody. She takes the ball so early. She returns amazing.”

— Andrea Petkovic, Former German professional tennis player

“But in the year and a half that I've watched her now, her serve is very inconsistent. She has those weeks where she can't make first serves. The second is very attackable.”

— Andrea Petkovic, Former German professional tennis player

“Against the big hitters like Sabalenka, Rybakina, even Coco Gauff, who returns so well, Jess Pegula, it's going to be really difficult to defend your serve despite her being one of the best returners in the game.”

— Andrea Petkovic, Former German professional tennis player

What’s next

Eala is now preparing for the upcoming clay-court swing, looking to improve on her serve and gain crucial ranking points.

The takeaway

Eala's inconsistent serve has been a major weakness in her game, and addressing this issue will be crucial if she wants to consistently challenge the top players and win major titles. Petkovic's analysis highlights a clear area of improvement for the rising Filipino star.