Alexandra Eala does not dwell on her disappointment at the Australian Open, where the promising young player bowed out in the first round.
Eala has a huge following and his popularity was on full display at Melbourne Park, where many fans were eager to catch a glimpse of his matches.
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However, the tournament ended quickly for the 20-year-old as she lost in the first round of both singles and doubles.
Eala then competed in the Philippine Women’s Open, reaching the quarterfinals before losing to Camila Osorio, who won the tournament.
Alexandra Eala reflects on Rafael Nadal’s memorable training session
Photo by Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images
Eala, who developed his game at the Rafael Nadal Academy, is currently competing in singles and doubles at the Abu Dhabi Open.
Speaking ahead of her first match, the world number 45 opened up about a training session with Nadal, telling The National: “It was crazy.”
“It was my first time hitting with him and I was so nervous and it was really physically demanding for me.
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“I mean, he’s been off the field for about a year and I’ve been training hard and I feel like, man, I’ve been this far.
“But it was definitely a great experience to really absorb all that knowledge. Just to say you hit with Rafa, it’s crazy, but I feel so lucky and blessed.
“Rafa often says in his speeches that it is important to surround yourself with good people and I really think that is very good advice.
“And he told me other things about my game, but that’s what struck me the most.”
Alexandra Eala reflects on an unexpected breakthrough at the Miami Open
Eala has already made notable strides early in his career, highlighted by a remarkable run at the 2025 Miami Open.
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The young Filipina reached the semi-finals of the WTA 1000 event, taking many by surprise with her impressive performances against some of the biggest names in the sport.
She defeated Iga Swiatek, Madison Keys, Paula Badosa and Jelena Ostapenko before losing to Jessica Pegula in the semifinals.
Reflecting on that period, she said: “Obviously the race in Miami was quite sudden, but after that I took it step by step and nothing really came in a big wave. »
“So I’ve accepted some of the changes that come with being in the top 100 and I think it’s a similar story for the start of this season, with the people and just the exposure that I’m getting.”
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“So I try to take it step by step. I try to remember that work is work and all of this wouldn’t be possible if I didn’t work hard.”
Even though Eala didn’t get the start she wanted at Melbourne Park, there is plenty of optimism for what awaits her in 2026.
