Alex Eala Reacts to “Fookelya Serve” Term Coined by Fans

Pinoy tennis fans have playfully coined the “fookelya serve” as a nickname for Alex Eala’s unconventional serve that tends to be on the slower side compared to her peers. Despite its speed that averages 86 mph, the serve is delivered with a left-handed spin and an unusual pace that effectively catches her opponents off guard.

Widely used by Alex’s supporters on the internet, the term has even been picked up by international news outlets, such as on Belgian tennis player Kim Clijsters’ show, the Love All Podcast.

Although it’s remained an amusing inside joke for fans, Alex finally shared her thoughts on it during her US Open pre-tournament press conference.

“Ipaliwanag mo nga sa akin 'yun kasi hindi masyadong positibong salita 'yun,” Alex said while laughing along good-naturedly after a journalist brought up the term.

The tennis ace admitted that she isn’t sure what to feel about the viral word. “Hindi ko alam kung ano mararamdaman ko 'pag naririnig ko yan kasi grabe yung paghihirap ko sa serve, grabe the work that I put in. And I love my serve,” she explained. “My coach says it’s like my little brother. Parang ate ako sa serve ko.”

She acknowledged that fans mean well by it, however she remains apprehensive about its possible connotations and would much rather appreciate something more “positive.”

Fans were quick to understand the star athlete’s qualms as many collectively agreed to potentially rename it moving forward. “We are officially retiring this word,” said one user.

Alex recently played in a friendly match against her good friend Iva Jovic for the US Open's Stars of the Open exhibition. Her appearance drew in droves of fans who filled the Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York with their rousing cheers for the Filipino tennis idol.

When asked about her widespread impact and influence in the sport during the same press conference, Alex humbly responded, “I’m very grateful for the support that my fans give me. But in terms of what I contribute to tennis, every single WTA player and every single ATP player has contributed to the world of tennis.”

She added, “It’s history just by being here and by putting in the work every single day. Although there are certain things, like the media, that make me stand out, I’m a drop in the ocean when it comes to these things.”

Now seeded number 17 at the US Open, her highest Grand Slam ranking yet, Alex is set to challenge world no. 122 Mary Stoiana for the tournament’s qualifying round.