The 2025 Miami Open witnessed the arrival of a new force in women’s tennis: 19-year-old Alexandra Eala of the Philippines. Her improbable run to the semi-finals wasn’t a sudden breakthrough, but the culmination of years of dedicated training, most notably at the Rafael Nadal Academy in Spain. Eala’s journey, marked by a family history of athletic achievement and a commitment to her craft, has captivated the tennis world.
From Manila to Manacor: The Nadal Academy Chapter
Eala’s decision to leave home at the age of 12 to study and live at the Rafa Nadal Academy was pivotal. The academy, founded by the Spanish tennis legend, provided her with world-class coaching, state-of-the-art training facilities and a highly competitive environment. It was there, under the guidance of Rafa’s uncle, Toni Nadal, that she honed her technique and developed the mental fortitude necessary to compete at the highest level. The academy is described as her “second home.”
The impact of the Nadal Academy is undeniable. Eala’s stunning upset of world No. 1 Iga Swiatek in the quarterfinals of the 2025 Miami Open sent shockwaves through the sport. But the victory over Swiatek wasn’t an isolated incident. She also defeated Grand Slam champions Jelena Ostapenko and Madison Keys, demonstrating her ability to consistently challenge and overcome top-ranked opponents.
A Family Legacy
Eala’s athletic talent isn’t a solitary phenomenon within her family. Her mother, Rosemarie “Rizza” Maniego-Eala, was a competitive swimmer who earned a bronze medal in the 100-meter backstroke at the 1985 Southeast Asian Games. Her brother, Michael “Miko” Eala, played college tennis at Penn State University from 2020-2024, also spending time as a student at the Rafael Nadal Academy. Her uncle, Noli Eala, previously served as the commissioner of the Philippines Basketball Association, further cementing athletics as a central part of the family’s identity.
Graduating to the Professional Ranks
Eala officially graduated from the Rafa Nadal Academy in 2023, a moment captured in a now-viral photograph alongside Rafael Nadal and Iga Swiatek. The image foreshadowed her future on the court, as she would face Swiatek in a high-stakes match at the Miami Open just two years later. Her graduation marked a transition from the structured environment of the academy to the demanding world of professional tennis.
Prior to her success in Miami, Eala had been steadily building her career, beginning to participate in ITF events in 2020. However, it was her performance at the 2025 Miami Open that truly catapulted her into the spotlight, establishing her as a rising star with the potential to make a significant impact on the WTA tour.
Beyond Miami: The Road Ahead
Eala’s run at the Miami Open wasn’t just about individual victories; it represented a broader movement. She is currently the only player from the Philippines ranked in the world’s top 1000, carrying the hopes of a nation eager to see its athletes compete on the global stage. She and Coleman Wong, a rising tennis star from Hong Kong, are both attempting to initiate a tennis revolution in their respective countries, though Eala has clarified they are simply friends despite rumors to the contrary.
The Miami Open run showcased Eala’s powerful left-handed game and her ability to perform under pressure. While details of her matches beyond the victories against Swiatek, Ostapenko, and Keys are not fully detailed, the significance of those wins is clear. They demonstrated her ability to compete with, and defeat, the very best in the world.
The journey from a young girl typing at the age of four to a tennis sensation at the Miami Open is a testament to Eala’s dedication and talent. Her story is one of perseverance, family support, and the transformative power of a world-class training environment like the Rafael Nadal Academy. As she continues her career, Alexandra Eala is poised to become a leading figure in women’s tennis, inspiring a new generation of athletes in the Philippines and beyond.
