"I actually would love to see her win a major because if she does, oh my God, will it help tennis": Alexandra Eala winning Grand Slam would 'skyrocket' tennis in Asia but vital flaw picked
WTAFriday, 11 September 2026 at 04:20
Alexandra Eala's popularity would make a match made in heaven when it comes to a potential Grand Slam win in the view of Rennae Stubbs who mused that it would unlock something that has not been seen since Li Na.
Eala lost out to Iva Jovic in the third round of the US Open as has semi become tradition with the American who was also lauded by Stubbs being close friends with the Filipina and as a result she has yet to figure her out just yet.
Stubbs co presenter Caitlin Thompson spoke about how also the idea of stan culture can make players become untouchable to certain people and by proxy it can also create this echo chamber where they are not liked as much by certain sections of people especially those who do not engage with the vast fanbase.
"I think Stan culture has made everyone feel like, well, if you say anything negative about my player, it's because you hate my player or because you have an added motivation.
"Can you say that you don't like one of Naomi Osaka's outfits without saying Naomi Osaka doesn't have a right to exist and wear whatever she wants?"
How Eala stacks up at Grand Slams?
| Tournament | 2025 | 2026 |
| Australian Open | – | 1R |
| French Open | 1R | 1R |
| Wimbledon | 1R | 4R |
| US Open | 2R | 3R |
But while Eala could feasibly win a Grand Slam, Stubbs not only mused about what that could bring to the sport but also how it won't happen currently due to flaws in the Eala game.
Albeit not all is lost as Stubbs said that she critiqued certain other players including Jovic who of course as an 18-year-old is developing still and as a result perhaps doesn't have the power of some of her counterparts. But as Stubbs noted herself that change has done her good and she has managed to evolve which she hopes Eala does.
"Well, it started with a lot of the Eala fans, because I said she couldn't win… I didn't think she would win a major because of her second serve.
"I still stand by that to a certain degree. I think she's a tremendous tennis player. But as an expert, as I am, who's been in this sport of tennis forever, and one of my strengths is actually looking at people's strengths and weaknesses.
"That's what made… even when I played, I think I didn't overpower people, but I outthought them. But it's not a critique. I actually would love to see her win a major because if she does, oh my God, will it help tennis.
"I mean, the popularity of tennis in Asia will skyrocket again, like it did when Li Na won in China. It would be amazing. And she's a great player and a great young lady. And she speaks so well, just like Coco [Gauff]. They just have this ability to be able to say the right things and articulate things the right way.
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"But my job is to say where someone can get better. Just like I said with Taylor Fritz, he needs to get better with his transitional work into the net. And if he does that, he can win a Slam. Eala needs to improve her serve. It got broken like nine times the other day.
"And Jovic, I said two years ago, she's going to have to improve that serve because it's going to get absolutely crushed in women's tennis. She has, she got stronger. So it's like, I'm not saying these things because I dislike someone. I'm saying them because I like them. Because I want them to do better."
Samuel GillEditor-in-Chief
Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of TennisUpToDate.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces across the TennisUpToDate network, playing a central role in the daily operation and development of the site.
Based in Leicester, Samuel has a broad background in tennis media. In his current role, he works closely with editors and writers to ensure coverage meets clear journalistic standards, with particular attention to verification, consistency, and timely updates when new information becomes available.
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