Alexandra Eala has quickly emerged as one of the most well-followed players on the WTA Tour.
The Filipina has become a sensation on the WTA Tour, despite having only been a consistent fixture at the top level over the last year.
After an impressive start to the 2026 season, Eala’s form has dipped.
She was defeated in the Linz Open second round by Jelena Ostapenko earlier this month; and a week later, she exited the Stuttgart Open at the first hurdle.
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This week, Eala is set to make her fourth appearance at the Madrid Open, and she will play former Wimbledon quarter-finalist Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova in the first round.
Ahead of her first match in the Spanish capital, Maribel Nadal has offered her thoughts on the Filipina youngster.
Maribel Nadal discusses the rise of Alexandra Eala
Maribel Nadal, the sister of 22-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal, is the Deputy General Manager of the Rafa Nadal Academy.
Ahead of the Madrid Open, Maribel [pictured below] discussed the development of Alex Eala from a youngster at the Rafa Nadal Academy to a WTA star.
“Alex Eala, I think she was 11 or 12 years old when she arrived at the academy, and well, it’s incredible what she’s been doing these past few years,” Maribel said on ‘Game, Set, Madrid.’
“It’s also wonderful to see the affection she receives all over the world.
“After all, she’s from the Philippines, a country that doesn’t have that many athletes. And I think she’s also an inspiration there for many boys and girls.
“And we can already see that the support she receives in all the tournaments is spectacular. She’s also an incredible girl, very humble.
What is the best win of Alexandra Eala’s career so far? 🤔
Iga Swiatek in Miami, Clara Tauson at the US Open, Jasmine Paolini in Dubai, or a different match?
“Her family still lives there at the academy in Porto Cristo, and we are very happy with everything she’s achieving.
Eala, the world number 44, is set to play former world number 11 Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova in the Madrid Open first round.
If the Filipina moves on to the second round, she will play 19th seed Elise Mertens.
If Eala advances further, she could play former world number one Karolina Pliskova.
Alex Eala’s projected path to the Madrid Open title
- First round: Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova
- Second round: Elise Mertens
- Third round: Karolina Pliskova
- Fourth round: Amanda Anisimova
- Quarter-finals: Elena Rybakina
- Semi-finals: Coco Gauff
- Final: Aryna Sabalenka
Alex Eala’s opportunity
Pavlyuchenkova is now ranked 116th on the WTA Tour, yet she was able to defeat Viktoriya Tomova and Julija Starodubzewa in Madrid Open qualifying.
That being said, Pavlyuchenkova has not won a main draw match at a WTA Tour event since the 2025 US Open, where she defeated Dayana Yastremska in the first round.
Since then, the Russian has lost seven consecutive main draw matches.
Pavlyuchenkova’s form has been far from consistent; and should the Russian’s struggles continue on Wednesday, Alex Eala will have the opportunity to capitalise.
