Alexandra Eala graduated from the Rafa Nadal Academy – based in Mallorca – in 2023.
Eala first joined the institution in 2018, travelling with her brother Michael to train at the esteemed Academy.
Since then, the Filipina star has become a sensation, winning her first WTA title and becoming the first Filipina to break into the WTA top 50.
Ahead of the 2026 season, Eala was afforded the opportunity to train with 20-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal at the Academy in Manacor.
Eala has since reflected on the experience.
Alexandra Eala says Rafael Nadal gave her forehand ‘tips’
In a post on the Rafa Nadal Academy Instagram account, Eala said: “It was so special for me. Obviously training with Rafa is something people and young kids can only dream about. So it was such a pleasure to share the court with him.
“He gave me some tips on my forehand and a few other small advices. This is the first time I’ve ever hit with him in my life and it’s just a memory that will last forever.”
How high do you think Alexandra Eala’s ceiling is?
Eala will travel to New Zealand at the start of 2026 to participate in the Auckland Open. From there, she will travel to Australia for the Kooyong Classic.
The Filipina star is then set to travel to Melbourne for the Australian Open. Eala will be playing in the Australian Open main draw for the first time in her career.
Eala will also be competing in the Australian Open Women’s Doubles event alongside Ingrid Martins.
What was Eala’s highlight of 2025?
There are three key moments of 2025 that stand out when choosing Alexandra Eala’s most significant moment of 2025.
The Miami Open, the US Open triumph and the SEA Games gold medal will all live long in Eala’s memory.
Of all those moments, her Miami Open run stands out as her most jaw-dropping moment of 2025.
What could stop Alexandra Eala from finishing 2026 inside the top 20?
The Filipina was an unknown quantity going into the event, but went on to defeat Jelena Ostapenko, Madison Keys and Iga Swiatek before losing to Jessica Pegula in the semi-finals.
