Rafael Nadal has returned to the tennis court for the first time in a year.
The Spaniard, who retired in 2024 after winning 22 Grand Slam singles titles, has been testing his current level of play while practicing with rising WTA star Alexandra Eala.
The 20-year-old became the first Filipino player to crack the WTA top 50 this year, and Nadal congratulated Eala after she won her first WTA title in September.
Eala has long been a student at the Rafa Nadal Academy in Mallorca, first training at the institution when she was only 12 years old.
Following her practice session with Nadal on Wednesday, the Spaniard posted a message on social media.
Rafael Nadal’s message to Alexandra Eala
Nadal, who posted the message on Instagram, told the young Filipino star that he would be ‘stronger’ the next time they practice with each other.
Nadal said: “One year later, it felt great to be back on a tennis court!
“It was great to practice with you Alexandra Eala! Next time I will be stronger.”
Replying to the post, Eala said: “Thank you for today Rafa.”
Eala, who became the first Filipino winner of a Grand Slam main draw singles match at the US Open, will hope to continue her ascension in 2026.
The 20-year-old certainly has the tools to rise further up the WTA rankings. However, she may need to improve her serve if she wants to join the best-of-the-best at the top of the WTA tree.
Rafael Nadal’s message to Alexandra Eala during her stunning Miami Open run
In March, unseeded Alexandra Eala defeated Madison Keys, Paula Badosa and Iga Swiatek on her way to the semi-finals of the WTA 1000 tournament in Miami, Florida.
After defeating Iga Swiatek in the quarter-finals, Rafael Nadal posted a message in support of the young talent.
On X [Twitter], Nadal said: “We are extremely proud of you, Alex. What an incredible tournament! Let’s keep dreaming!”
In the semi-finals, Eala lost to fourth seed Jessica Pegula: 6-7, 7-5, 3-6.
As recognised by Nadal, Eala is a star – one who will carry the torch for the Philippines long into the future.
