FILIPINA tennis star Alexandra Eala has appealed to her supporters to come up with a more positive nickname for her unconventional serve as she prepares for her 2026 US Open campaign.
Eala’s left-handed serve has recently attracted attention on social media, where fans have dubbed it the “Fookelya” serve.
The playful term is reportedly derived from the Filipino phrase “fool ka ni Eala,” referring to the way her delivery can deceive opponents despite not being among the fastest serves on tour.
Eala, however, admitted that she is not particularly fond of the nickname.
“Explain that to me because that’s not a very positive word,” Eala said with a laugh during her US Open press conference.
The 21-year-old said she understands that fans are using the term in a lighthearted manner, but she would prefer a nickname that reflects the importance she places on her serve.
“It’s not a very positive word. Maybe they mean for it to be positive, but I don’t know how I feel when I hear that because I worked so hard on my serve, and I love my serve,” Eala said.
She added that her coach has given her a different perspective on the shot, likening her relationship with the serve to that of an older sister caring for a younger sibling.
“As my coach says, it’s like my little brother, like I’m an ate to my serve,” Eala said.
Rather than criticizing her supporters for the nickname, Eala simply encouraged them to find an alternative.
“I think I would appreciate a more positive term. But I don’t think they mean it in a bad way,” she said.
Eala will now look to put her serve to work when she begins her US Open singles campaign.
The Filipina is seeded No. 17 at the Grand Slam and will face American qualifier Mary Stoiana, currently ranked No. 122 in the world, in the opening round at Flushing Meadows. (Adrian Co)
