Alexandra Eala grew up idolising Rafael Nadal and has since had the opportunity to spend time with him.
Eala has been supported by Nadal throughout her career, which has continued since she graduated from his academy in 2023.
The Filipina has even had the chance to spend some time on court with Nadal, who hit with Eala recently.
After Eala won her first round match at the Madrid Open, where Nadal is a record five-time champion, she spoke about what her relationship is like with the 22-time Grand Slam champion now.
Alexandra Eala admits she still gets ‘nervous’ around Rafael Nadal
Eala beat former French Open finalist Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova 6-3, 6-3, to win just her second match of the clay court season so far.
After the match, Eala gave an interview for the Madrid Open YouTube channel, where she was asked about the players she idolised growing up.
Unsurprisingly, Eala named Nadal alongside both Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer, as well as three WTA legends.
“Of course, Rafa was one of my idols among the men since I was little, obviously also Novak and Federer,” said Eala. “But among the women, I really liked [Maria] Sharapova and also Li Na and [Simona] Halep.”
Would Rafael Nadal be the undisputed GOAT if not for injuries?
Eala was then asked about her relationship with Nadal, to which she admitted that she still gets nervous around him and explained how she felt after getting the opportunity to practice with him.
“I’ve spoken to him quite a bit, but every time I see him he still makes me nervous,” answered Eala. “Just because he’s a guy who has done so many things in his life on and off the court, he’s a super inspirational guy, that’s why he was my total idol.
“To be able to play with him and the first one after he retired…it was super special, because it was also my first training session with him.”
Alexandra Eala reveals what her relationship with doubles partner Zeynep Sonmez is like
As well as playing singles at the Madrid Open this year, Eala is also playing doubles with Turkish player Zeynep Sonmez.
Eala and Sonmez have played doubles together before, but it is the first time since 2024 and their debut as a pair on the WTA Tour after receiving a wildcard.
Alexandra Eala will finish 2026 ranked — in the world
Fill in the blanks!
Although they have not played much doubles together, Eala has called Sonmez one of her best friends in life, not just in tennis.
“Zeynep is one of my best friends in life, so I’m very lucky,” said Eala. “I’m very lucky to find a friend like this, someone I can talk to about personal things, very deep things
“…She’s a really nice girl, she doesn’t have a single bad thing about her and I have many more friends in the circuit and this helps me a lot and I think it’s very healthy.”
Eala and Sonmez will play their first round match against the pairing of Hao-ching Chan and Fanny Stollar.
Receive exclusive tennis news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
