Martina Navratilova told the Tennis Channel on 5 July 2026 that Alex Eala must revamp her serve if she hopes to compete consistently at the top of the WTA Tour after the Filipino’s fourth‑round loss at Wimbledon.

What did Navratilova say?

Navratilova highlighted the serve as the biggest weakness, describing it as “too much of a puffball.” She noted that Eala’s first serve averages 80‑85 mph, far below the 105 mph she is capable of. The former champion urged Eala to change her grip, use more left‑handed slice and aim at the opponent’s backhand side rather than the forehand.

Why the serve matters for Eala’s game?

Eala’s footwork and net skills earned her wins over Maya Joint and Iga Swiatek, but the loss to Jasmine Paolini exposed a gap in firepower. Navratilova explained that without a strong serve, a player must rely on baseline power, which Eala lacks. By improving the serve, she can dictate points and keep taller, stronger opponents off balance.

How does this fit into Eala’s season?

The 20‑year‑old’s Wimbledon run was the highlight of a busy grass‑court swing that began with a title in Birmingham, followed by deep runs at Queen’s, Bad Homburg and Berlin, where she reached the semi‑finals. Navratilova’s advice arrives as Eala shifts focus to the hard‑court season, starting with the Mubadala DC Open in Washington on 27 July.

What are the next steps for Eala?

Navratilova suggested a dedicated serve‑practice regimen, emphasizing the left‑handed slice and a tighter grip. She also recommended video analysis of Paolini’s serve patterns, which exploited Eala’s second serve. Implementing these tweaks could turn Eala’s “problem‑solver” reputation into a tangible on‑court advantage.

How did other players react?

Jim Courier, commenting earlier, praised Eala’s problem‑solving mindset but agreed that physical stature and power are limiting factors. Iga Swiatek, after her own match with Eala, complained that the serve was “slow,” a point that Navratilova echoed. The consensus among veterans is clear: serve upgrades are essential for Eala to move beyond occasional upsets.

What does this mean for the WTA landscape?

If Eala heeds Navratilova’s counsel, she could become a regular threat in the latter stages of Grand Slams, adding depth to a field that already includes Venus Williams, Emma Raducanu and Naomi Osaka. Her upcoming appearance in Washington will be the first test of any serve improvements before the US Open series begins.

Where can fans follow her progress?

Eala’s matches will be streamed on the Tennis Channel and the WTA’s official platform. Navratilova’s interview is available in full on the channel’s website, offering a rare glimpse of the legend mentoring the next generation.

What’s the broader impact?

Navratilova’s public coaching moment underscores the growing trend of former greats shaping current talent. Her direct, technical feedback provides a template for how retired champions can influence the sport beyond the court.

Final note

Eala’s next tournament starts on 27 July in Washington, giving her a two‑week window to work on the serve tweaks Navratilova outlined. Whether she can translate advice into results will be the story to watch as the hard‑court season unfolds.