“She’s going to be No. 1”: Greg Rusedski makes bold Alex Eala prediction ahead of US Open
WTAThursday, 27 August 2026 at 06:30
Greg Rusedski believes Alex Eala has the qualities to become the next major star of women’s tennis, with the former world No. 4 making a bold prediction about the Filipino rising rapidly up the rankings. Speaking on Off Court with Greg, Rusedski backed Eala to reach the very top, pointing to a combination of mentality, movement and one particularly difficult weapon to deal with.
The prediction comes at a particularly interesting moment in Eala’s development. The 21-year-old has surged to a career-high No. 18 in the WTA rankings after a breakthrough 2026 season that has included her first WTA 500 title at the DC Open, a WTA 125 triumph in Birmingham and a semifinal run in Berlin.
Eala has also continued to prove that her level translates against the very best. She has won seven of her last 10 meetings against Top 10 opponents, including four victories over Top 5 players, with Iga Swiatek, Elena Rybakina and Jessica Pegula among those she has already defeated. She also reached the fourth round of Wimbledon, her best Grand Slam result so far.
Now seeded No. 17 at the US Open, Eala arrives in New York with a 31-19 record in 2026 and sits inside the Top 15 of the WTA Race. But Rusedski believes her ceiling is considerably higher than simply becoming a Top 20 player.
“The mentality is second to none”
Rusedski’s assessment goes beyond Eala’s recent results. He believes her mentality is one of the qualities that could allow her to handle the pressure that comes with competing at the highest level.
“I think she'll sell out like she did in Toronto. I mean, how impressive was her result in Washington, the way she played? She was incredible. And then the bounce back and win two matches against her.”
ALEXANDRA EALA pumps her first during the women’s singles final against Jessica Pegula at the Rock Creek Tennis Center
“She won seven in a row and then lost in Toronto. She loses to Anisimova in three sets who last year made two major finals. So she's on the cusp, you know, she's the first Filipina to make the fourth round of a major. I wouldn't be surprised if she's in the quarters or semis. She's that good.”
The former British No. 1 then identified something he considers even more important than individual technical qualities.
“I think the mentality is second to none. I look between the ears, you know, having coached and worked on tour in the men's and the women's, the most important thing, because everybody can play, but it's a swagger, it's the belief. It's in between the ears, it's the intensity. She goes tick, tick, tick, tick, tick in all boxes.”
Rusedski went as far as saying he would be surprised if Eala failed to make a deep run in New York. “She must be a dream to work with," he added. "So as a coach and as somebody who watches, she is special and I think she could have a deep run. And I don't, I would be surprised if she doesn't get into the quarters. She's that good.”
The weapon that could make Eala different
There is also a technical reason behind Rusedski’s optimism. He highlighted Eala’s ability to take the ball extremely early, particularly when returning serve, giving her an opportunity to take time away from opponents.
“I want to just add one more thing about Eala. She takes the ball so early. So you can talk in all the facets. So like I'm talking about players who are like 10 to 20 in the world. We always know that the best are the fastest because they have more time, more options. But she does something nobody else does. She takes this return of serve so, so early.”
Rusedski also referenced Rick Macci, who has worked with Serena Williams, Venus Williams and Jennifer Capriati, and whose assessment of Eala was even more striking.
“And I saw Rick Macci who worked with Serena Williams, Venus Williams, Jennifer Capriati, she said, if you can get that serve technically good enough, she's going to be number one because she's going to be able to get those first three strikes.”
That prediction now adds another layer to Eala’s US Open campaign. The former US Open junior champion returns to Flushing Meadows with a career-high ranking, a WTA 500 title and a growing résumé against elite opposition.
Her 2026 season has already established her as one of the WTA’s biggest breakthrough stories. The next step is showing that her recent success can be sustained on the biggest stages.
Rusedski, however, believes Eala may be ready for considerably more than that. At 21, the Filipino is no longer simply trying to announce herself. She is beginning to look like a player capable of challenging the established hierarchy — and, according to Rusedski, potentially reaching the very top of it.
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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