Alex Eala lost to Jasmine Paolini, 4-6, 6-4, 3-6 in the fourth round of the 2026 Wimbledon Championships.
The Filipina’s dream Wimbledon run didn’t have the fairy-tale ending many wished for, as she fell to defeat against the 2024 runner-up.
Still, Eala can leave London with her head held high, having made memories that will last a lifetime, including a win over the defending champion at this year’s tournament.
How many Grand Slams will Alex Eala win in her career? 🏆
She's just knocked out the defending Wimbledon champion!
Looking to the future, former British number one Greg Rusedski has suggested which Grand Slam he believes Eala is most likely to win.
Greg Rusedski believes Wimbledon is Alex Eala’s best shot at winning a Grand Slam
During the latest episode of ‘Off Court Cuts‘, Rusedski delivered his verdict on Eala’s potential.
“For me, the first Filipino to be in the fourth round of a major, man or woman, this will not be her last fourth round,” he said.
Alex Eala vs Jasmine Paolini – Match stats
| Stats | Alex Eala | Jasmine Paolini |
| Aces | 2 | 2 |
| Double faults | 3 | 1 |
| 1st Serve % | 56% | 70% |
| Win % on 1st Serve | 65% | 61% |
| Win % on 2nd Serve | 53% | 67% |
| Break points | 3/10 | 4/9 |
“Wimbledon for me is her best shot to go deep at a major and really have a chance to win it one day.”
He did, however, note the improvements Eala must make if she plans to compete in the second week of Slams.
“She had some strapping on the elbow of the serving arm, which was a little disconcerting. She doesn’t make any excuses; she is in the Rafael Nadal mould, and I like her. She’s a great competitor, great returns, great groundstrokes,” said Rusedski.
“I look at her serve and feel she can loosen up the wrist position a bit like Novak Djokovic. I feel she can get the throwing position a bit better.
“She has a good swing on the serve, but has to find that balance of when and when not to hit it. It is something she needs to put more reps in and just make a slight tweak in the technique.
“The serve does need to become a weapon where she can get the first strike in after the serve.
“She has the knowledge of how to mix it, but she needs a bit more accuracy and a bit more power, and that will come in time.”
Eala’s serving numbers don’t look like those of an elite player.
In seven of the key serving metrics, Eala sits outside the top-50 in 2026.
Alex Eala’s serving stats (2026)
- Aces – 46 (59th on WTA Tour)
- 1st Serve % – 63.8% (112th on WTA Tour)
- 2nd Serve % – 45.8% (78th on WTA Tour)
- Win % on 1st Serve – 61.6% (116th on WTA Tour)
- Service points win % – 55.9% (99th on WTA Tour)
- Break points saved % – 52.9% (123rd on WTA Tour)
- Service games win % – 63.9% (98th on WTA Tour)
She will know that needs to improve if she is to ever contend for the Wimbledon title.
However, that’s not to say her serve isn’t effective.
In fact, it played a major role in her stunning third-round win over Iga Swiatek.
During her post-match press conference, Swiatek explained how Eala’s slow serve caused her problems.
“Even though it’s super slow and people might think it’s easy to return that, it’s quite the opposite,” said Swiatek.
But while it worked in her favour against Swiatek, the serve wasn’t quite up to scratch against Paolini.
In a tight fourth-round match, perhaps Eala would have emerged victorious with an elite serve.
What’s next for Alex Eala after Wimbledon exit?
Eala is expected to return to action at the Washington Open later this month.
She will join an elite field in the American capital, including Naomi Osaka, Elina Svitolina, and Madison Keys.
Should she win the event, Eala would earn 500 ranking points, which would see her edge closer to a top-20 breakthrough.
That might be a step too far, although Eala will be keen to make a smooth transition to hard courts after a stellar grass-court season.
The 21-year-old only won one match across the Canadian Open and the US Open 12 months ago, defeating Clara Tauson at Flushing Meadows.
If she can make another leap forward in 2026, perhaps Rusedski’s assessment of which Grand Slam she is most likely to win may change…
