Alexandra Eala says practicing with Rafael Nadal was a dream come true and reveals she also received some advice from the Spanish tennis legend during "a memorable experience."
On November 19th, 2024, the former 22-time Grand Slam champion's astonishing career came to an end following a Davis Cup defeat to Botic van de Zandschulp.
On the first anniversary of his retirement, Nadal took to social media to share that he celebrated the day by hitting with world No. 53 Eala at his academy.
Before Eala became known to the general tennis public, she attended and graduated from Nadal's academy in Manacor. In some of his past interviews, the former ATP world No. 1 spoke very highly of the Filipina's attitude and approach to the game. So, when picking a partner for a special hitting session, the record 14-time French Open champion thought it would be suitable to do it with the Filipina.
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Eala: Training with Nadal is something people and young kids can only dream about
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 Ive ever hit with him in my life and its just a memory that will last forever," the 20-year-old said in a video shared by the academy.
After winning the 2022 US Open girls' singles title, Eala also quickly started making a name for herself in pro tennis. In 2025, the Filipina reached her first final in Eastbourne, as well as broke into the top-50 for the first time in her career.
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Eala also made tennis history in 2025 by becoming the first Filipino player to clinch wins over top-5 players and Grand Slam champions.
