Who is Alexandra Eala, product of Rafael Nadal’s Academy who beat Madison Keys | Tennis News

Philippines’ Alexandra Eala stunned Madison Keys at the Miami Open for her biggest win. (Image: X/WTA)

Alexandra Eala, a 19-year-old tennis player from the Philippines, achieved a historic victory at the Miami Open on Sunday by defeating Australian Open champion Madison Keys.
This win marked a significant milestone as Eala became the first Filipino woman to defeat a top-10 ranked player since the ranking system’s inception 50 years ago.
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The emotional victory saw Eala celebrating with her team, embracing them while fighting back tears.
“It’s a big thing to take in, and I feel it’s important for me to take it in step by step. I’m so super proud of what I was able to accomplish, but it definitely fuels me more.”
“I know and it’s in my mind that I have a next match, but I need to stop, and I need to recognise that what I did today was really amazing. I think my reaction on court, you know, sums up pretty much how I feel about it.”
At the age of 13, Eala’s family made the decision to send her to Rafael Nadal’s academy in Mallorca, Spain, recognizing her evident talent.
The academy’s exceptional coaching and facilities helped shape Eala into the 2022 US Open girls’ singles champion and a competitive player on the WTA Tour.
“The academy has been my home for the past seven years. Of course, my family should take credit for the foundation that they laid out before they sent me there.”
“But of course, the academy was able to build on that foundation in such a way that I’m able to be where I am now. And I think the combination of everything that I’ve been through since I started tennis is what has led to this moment and what has led to me having all these opportunities.”
The decision to move to Europe was made easier as her brother Miko also joined the academy.
“It was definitely a big decision for me, for us. As soon as I heard that, I jumped at the opportunity because I knew that I had to get out of the country eventually to improve.”
Eala’s tennis journey began with her grandfather, a club player who coached her brother and cousins before focusing on her development.
“I was kind of the next in line to do that and to spend time with him. It eventually blossomed into the career I have now.”
Her victory came shortly after fellow Nadal Academy member Coleman Wong from Hong Kong defeated American 13th seed Ben Shelton in Miami.
“I’m super happy for him and to see someone that I’ve known so long do so well is definitely an inspiration. Not just to me, but I feel in general a lot of people can take inspiration from him.”
Despite her success, Eala maintains a humble perspective about being a role model for young players in the Philippines.
“The young kids, the youth in the Philippines, they don’t need to take inspiration from me. They can take inspiration from anyone they want. You know, they can take inspiration from other things, which is what I did growing up.”