Okay, so, picture this: years of sweat, relentless drills, the whole shebang – that’s what it takes to crack the big leagues in tennis. And right now, Alexandra Eala‘s living that dream at the Miami Open! This 19-year-old from the Philippines, fueled by serious grit and Rafael Nadal’s academy training, just stunned the 2025 Australian Open champion Madison Keys. Making her way through to the round of 16 to face off yet another veteran of the sport. Looks like years of dedication shining through in every point! Surely, Rafael Nadal is proud of his pupil, right?
On Sunday, Eala barely had time to celebrate her historic Miami Open run. But she already focused on the next match. The Filipina teenager defeated Madison Keys in straight sets. She dismantled Keys’ serve, breaking it six times for a 6-4, 6-2 victory at Keys’ home event. After her incredible win, Eala celebrated with her team, overcome with joy. She gave a tearful shoutout to her parents, Mike and Rizza, who stayed up to watch her match, exclaiming, “Mom, dad, I did it… My god!”
Her victory made her the first Filipino player in the Open Era to defeat a former Grand Slam champion at WTA level. She is also the first at either WTA/ATP level since Eric Taino defeated Michael Chang in 2003. Rafa reposted to his Instagram Story, applauding her success with “@alex.eala” But who is this young starlet?
Alexandra Maniego Eala, born May 23, 2005, is a Filipino pro tennis player from Quezon City. Eala reached a career-high singles ranking of world No. 134 on January 27, 2025. She’s the highest-ranked Filipina in WTA Tour history. As a junior, she ranked No. 2 in the world. She made history by winning the 2022 US Open, becoming the first Filipino to win a junior Grand Slam singles title. Talk about making a statement.
Not just that, but she has also dubbed Rafa her idol! “He is so grounded and he has achieved more than anything I could dream of, and the fact that he is still so nice to everyone around here is very admirable from him,” she said to GMA back in October 2020.
No wonder Rafa is proud! The Rafa Nadal Academy supports its students with intensive, personalized tennis training, based on Nadal’s ATP experience. This includes technical, tactical, physical, and mental conditioning, plus nutrition guidance. The academy emphasizes values and strives for all-around development, offering an international school, campus life, and tournament opportunities.
Like Eala, on the ATP side, Coleman Wong is also making waves in Miami. Rafa is proud of them both!
Rafael Nadal gives a shoutout to two rising stars of his academy
Even though Rafa’s hung up his racket, he’s still got his eye on the ball – especially when it comes to his academy students killing it at the Miami Open! Now Alexandra Eala and Coleman Wong are making history for their countries, racking up some seriously impressive wins and making it to the third round. Talk about making a legend proud! On March 21, Eala stunned former Roland Garros champ Jelena Ostapenko, becoming the first Filipina to beat a Top 30 player since ’75! Rafa couldn’t help but tweet, “Congratulations Alex! What a great win for you and for [the Philippines]”
And Wong? He upset No. 13 seed Ben Shelton, making him the second-lowest ranked dude to reach Miami’s third round AND the first guy from Hong Kong to take down a Top 20 player since ’73! Nadal was quick to praise him, saying, “There is a lot of effort behind these victories. We are very proud of you, Coleman! A historic win for Hong Kong.”
Both Eala and Wong are giving major props to Nadal’s academy for their development. Now, Alexandra Eala’s set to face tenth seed Paula Badosa on March 25th in the round of 16! Can she keep the momentum going and pull off another huge upset? Hit up the comments and let us know what you think!
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