Alex Eala graduates from Rafa Nadal Academy
Alex Eala is officially a graduate of Rafa Nadal Academy.
After five years, the 18-year-old Filipino tennis star proudly graduated as an RNA scholar as she received her high school diploma on Wednesday, June 14 at the academy's indoor court in Mallorca, Spain. The ceremony was graced by tennis icon and RNA founder Rafael Nadal and reigning Roland Garros titlist Iga Swiatek, who both delivered their keynote speeches that day.
RNA, founded in 2016 by Nadal and his uncle Toni Nadal, is a world-class tennis academy that offers a variety of programs for athletes and players of all ages and levels looking to improve their tennis skills.In his speech, Nadal first thanked the families of the graduates before thanking the students.
“I can’t thank enough all the families who trust in us and give us the most important thing in their lives, their kids. I know how difficult that is," he said.
"I became a father a few months ago for the first time and after that, you understand a lot of things. So I can understand how difficult it is to be away from the persons that you love the most. So thank you very much for the confidence, for the trust in us, and for believing in our school,” he continued.
The Spanish professional athlete then proceeded to congratulate the students and reminded them that failure is a part of the learning process and that they should not let it stop them from achieving their goals.
"To be where you are today is because you have made an effort, you have believed in yourselves. I think you have achieved one of the first goals, which is to graduate. I personally am proud of you,” he said.
RNA, founded in 2016 by Nadal and his uncle Toni Nadal, is a world-class tennis academy that offers a variety of programs for athletes and players of all ages and levels looking to improve their tennis skills.
In 2018, the tennis prodigy and her brother Miko were awarded scholarships at the RNA. They moved to Spain that year to pursue tennis.
During her time in RNA, Eala became the first Filipina to win a junior Grand Slam singles title at the 2022 US Open. She also ranks No. 228 in the WTA (Women's Tennis Association) world list and has three pro titles.
Earlier in June, she claimed the W25 Yecla title in Spain, Switzerland’s Valentina Ryser.