Alex Eala stuns and inspires
A whole nation watched with bated breath as the tennis court princess, Alexandra Eala, battled world’s number four Jessica Pegula of the USA on a Friday afternoon. The game, a grueling two hours and 25 minutes, ended the stint of Alex in the semi finals.
For days previous to the Friday game, she slayed one Grand Slam champion after another. Her Filipino countrymen rejoiced as one stunning upset after another was served by this 19-year-old tennis sensation.
Alex, currently ranked 140 in the world, defeated Grand Slam champion and world number two Ida Swiatek of Poland. Swiatek, a former number-one player, is a two-time BNP Paribas Open champion and a five-time Grand Slam singles champion. She also won two Indian Wells titles.
Crowd favorite, world’s number five, Madison Keys of the United States, who won last January her first-ever Grand Slam title at the Australian Open, was also defeated by Alex. She also claimed a victory against Latvia’s Jelena Ostapenko, the 2017 French Open winner, as well as a Grand Slam doubles champion in the 2024 US Open.
“It feels amazing because I know this is a historical achievement, which I dedicate to my country. It’s also a huge personal achievement, and for that, I’d love to give myself and my team a pat on the back. It’s not the end goal. Keep working,” Alex humbly said after the game.
She clarified that a winning mindset was at the fore this week. All the years of training and preparation were on display on the court. Unfazed by the reputation of her opponents on the other side of the net, she said that she just treated the Grand Slam opponents like any other player.
Alex left the Philippines at the tender age of 13 to join Rafael Nadal’s tennis academy in Mallorca, Spain. All those six years were spent around the sports of tennis with coaches and other players, hoping to go on tour.
Referring to her parents and Nadal’s uncle and former coach, Alex affirmed that they were exactly the ones who believed in her when nothing was happening, so it was extra special for her that they witnessed these historical wins in person.
The Miami Open might have stopped Alex’s burning tracks at the semis but all her opponents, Pegula included, believe that we will still see a lot of the exceptional young tennis player moving forward. Alex has captivated the hearts of many tennis fans and the respect of her seasoned opponents.
Her rise in global ranking annually is evidence of her stellar performance. By the end of the Miami Open, her ranking is expected to be around 75 from the current 140. In the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) rankings, she was 1,180th in 2020, 529th in 2021, 219th in 2022, and 205th in 2023.
“Faith and belief and self-esteem. I feel that’s what’s gonna get you through tough times. It will take everything in me. The next match won’t be less tough. It will be even more tough,” she said, eager to inspire a new generation of Filipino tennis players.
Her focus, faith, strong character, and rigorous training at the prestigious Rafa Nadal Academy have played a crucial role in her success. The academy, propelled by Rafael Nadal’s massive experience as a tennis pro, puts prime emphasis on discipline, resilience, and high-level competition.
When technical skills are at par, what sets Alex Eala apart is her character. Despite her very young age, she has shown mental toughness, dedication, and perseverance. She can stay composed and calm against top-seeded opponents.
Aside from the whole Eala family and the Filipino nation, another extremely proud observer of Eala’s win is Rafa Nadal himself. Rafa took to his Instagram Story applauding her success.
Rafa also sent a tweet, “Congratulations, Alex! What a great win for you and for (the Philippines).”
Alex holds the record as the highest-ranked Filipina in WTA Tour history. During her junior career, she achieved a world ranking of No. 2. She also made history by winning the 2022 US Open Girls’ title, becoming the first Filipino to claim a junior Grand Slam singles championship
The Rafa Nadal Academy provides its students with intensive and personalized tennis training, drawing from Nadal’s ATP experience. The program covers technical, tactical, physical, and mental conditioning, along with nutrition guidance. With a strong emphasis on values and holistic development, the academy also offers an international school, vibrant campus life, and competitive tournament opportunities.
What a way to end National Women’s Month! Beyond the victory of 19-year-old Alex Eala is the inspiring story of how empowered women at any age can beat the odds and reach their dreams!
