Several players have graduated from the famed Rafa Nadal Academy over the years, including Filipina superstar Alexandra Eala.
Eala has become one of the most popular players in tennis, despite the 20-year-old having yet to win a WTA title.
Ruud meanwhile is a 14-time ATP champion, having honed his skills at the Rafa Nadal Academy earlier in his career.
It has been the base for a handful of future male and female superstars, much to the delight of former world number one Nadal.
But along with Eala and Ruud, which players have graduated from the academy of the 22-time Grand Slam champion?
Would Carlos Alcaraz beat a prime Rafael Nadal?
Alexandra Eala (WTA no.45)
Despite her lack of major WTA success, Eala has grabbed the attention of the tennis world, in which she is one of the most popular figures.
That has largely been down to her huge fanbase from the Philippines, who regularly show up in massive numbers to support her at the various tournaments she plays in.
Eala has dropped the WTA rankings, but at 20 years old her future looks bright, with big success on the cards in light of her previous achievements and her loyal following.
Casper Ruud (ATP no.12)
Like Eala, Ruud most recently took on the Sunshine Double in the United States, competing at Indian Wells and the Miami Open.
He is, however, still finding his feet again after he and his wife recently announced the birth of their daughter.
A former ATP number two, the Norwegian is undoubtedly the most renowned graduate from the Rafa Nadal Academy, having once lost to the Spanish legend in a French Open final.
Martin Landaluce (ATP no.106)
While Ruud lost his opening match at the Miami Open, one of his fellow Rafa Nadal Academy alumni had a tournament to remember.
Many eyes were on Spanish superstar Carlos Alcaraz amid his stunning start to the season, but he was outshone by his compatriot Martin Landaluce.
The 20-year-old knocked out Sebastian Korda and Karen Khachanov before losing to Jiri Lehecka in the quarterfinals, a run that has shot him up 45 places in the ATP rankings to 106th.
Jaume Munar (ATP no.37)
Jaume Munar is another Spaniard who is a product of the famed academy, with the 28-year-old still seeking his maiden title.
He has, however, broken the ATP top 40, and came agonizingly close to success after losing the 2021 Marbella final.
Munar’s exploits this season include a United Cup run with Spain, while he was knocked out of the Australian Open by fellow Rafa Nadal Academy graduate Ruud.
Solana Sierra (WTA no.65)
WTA ace Solana Sierra also took part in the United Cup at the start of the season, where she came up against the likes of Coco Gauff and Belinda Bencic.
The 21-year-old Argentine is currently ranked 65th on the WTA Tour, and like Filipina superstar Eala is chasing an elusive maiden title.
Sierra’s fellow WTA player Alina Korneeva is another product of the Rafa Nadal Academy, along with men’s talents Coleman Wong, Dani Rincon, Naoya Honda, Ivan Ivanov and Abdullah Shelbayh.
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