Andy Roddick Explains How Giant-Killer Alexandra Eala Makes Opponents ‘Uncomfortable’

Alexandra Eala has finally done it. Eala, one of the most consistent players on the tour this year, scripted history on Monday (August 3) when she beat home favorite Jessica Pegula 4-6, 6-4, 6-0 in the Citi Open final.

The win made the 21-year-old the first player from the Philippines to win a tour-level title. Before starting her campaign on the North American hardcourt swing, Eala also had a historic run at Wimbledon.

She upset defending champion Iga Swiatek in the third round at Wimbledon, becoming the first Filipina to reach the fourth round of a Grand Slam tournament (lost to Jasmine Paolini). Eala grabbed the tennis world’s attention for the first time during last year’s Miami Open, where, en route to her defeat to eventual runner-up Pegula in the semifinals, she downed Jelena Ostapenko, Madison Keys, and Swiatek (all three are Grand Slam champions).

Also in Washington, before improving her head-to-head record over Pegula to 1-1, Eala eliminated 2024 Paris Olympics champion Qinwen Zheng, defending champion Leylah Fernandez, reigning Italian Open champion Elina Svitolina, and four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka.

Because of her win over high-profile names, Eala has been given a giant-killer tag. Why do these top players struggle to play the World No.20? Former ATP World No.1 Andy Roddick thinks he knows the reason.

She makes them uncomfortable. They have to be annoyed because they never get the same shot at the same speed and the same spot. She is very good at switching directions. All they want to do is step up, especially against someone who they feel they might have more power than and doesn’t serve big, but she is so good at redirecting off of pace. She has a real talent for that.

Andy Roddick said on his Served podcast

Eala did not get much time to celebrate her win thanks to the packed calendar. Right after her win in Washington, she took a flight to Toronto for the Canadian Open, where she is scheduled to play home favorite Alycia Parks on Wednesday (August 5).

Eala is the real deal. She is not scared to play the big players. And right back off of a good Wimbledon result, straight back into it. I thought she was fantastic. I don’t even think it’s a one-time thing where you are surprised. She is now entering the phase where you are not judging a singular performance, where you are saying that’s exciting because that’s the ceiling.

Andy Roddick added

ALL ABOARD THE EALA EXPRESS 🔥

Alexandra Eala secures her first ever WTA Tour title!#MubadalaDCOpen pic.twitter.com/uSpxYxWqO5

— wta (@WTA) August 3, 2026

Greg Rusedski thinks Alexandra Eala is not ready to win a Major

Prior to Alexandra Eala’s Citi Open win, Serena Williams’ coach Rennae Stubbs said she cannot foresee the youngster winning a Grand Slam title without some major improvement on her serve. Former British No.1 Greg Rusedski also shares similar opinions.

From my point of view, she is a bit of the dark horse, she is not quite ready, in my opinion, to win a major, but we have seen stranger things. Maybe next year, if she can get that improvement on the serve, then she’s definitely in the mix because the rest of her game is there.

Greg Rusedski said on the Off Court with Greg podcast

Eala did not hit an ace during the Citi Open final and committed three double faults to Pegula’s one. The American ace smashed four aces.

Pegula will kick off her campaign in Toronto against Magdalena Frech. She will be chasing her third title of the season following her wins in Dubai and Charleston (defended this title). Pegula also made the final of the Berlin Open (lost to Wimbledon champion Linda Noskova).

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