Tennis’ climb is a grind, but every player needs backup. Madison Keys, for example, leaned on family, and top coaches like John Evert and Lindsay Davenport, and now her husband Bjorn Fratangelo, fueling her recent Australian Open win! Her first grand slam in 14 years! Now, tennis has a new rising star that took Keys down in Miami – Alexandra Eala! The 19-year-old who just advanced into the round of 16 after training under the Rafa Nadal Academy for the last eight years! But keeping that momentum is tough, so what’s Eala’s drive?

On March 23, Eala defeated fifth seed Madison Keys with a 6-4, 6-2 victory in the third round of the Miami Open. With the upset win, the 19-year-old Eala becomes the first Filipino player in the Open Era to defeat a top 10 opponent since the WTA rankings system began in 1975. In pure disbelief, the young starlet proclaimed in her post-match interview, “I can’t wait to call my mom and dad. Nakuha natin, dad, mom.” Isn’t that adorable? And she didn’t stop there with her gratitude for them.

In a post-match interview with Tennis Channel, Alexandra was asked what’s her inspiration behind this drive. With no hesitation, she said,  “My family. It’s just that they’ve been there since day one and they are really the ones, they’ve been my rock and they’ve been the constant in all this chaos of a tennis career, you know? So, I love them so much and they inspire me every day.” Isn’t that adorable? Seems like she’s got quite the support system backing her up!

Eala began playing tennis at the age of four, initially as a means of connecting with her grandfather, a club-level player and coach, and her older brother, Miko, who later competed for Pennsylvania State University. As her proficiency increased, it became evident that international training would be essential for her continued development. This led to her enrollment at the Rafa Nadal Academy and the rest is history!

The 19-year-old left-handed player demonstrated notable resilience, engaging Keys in extended baseline rallies and capitalizing on unforced errors. This victory marks a historical achievement, as Eala becomes the first Filipino player in the Open Era to defeat a top 10 opponent since the inception of the WTA rankings system in 1975.

But she’s just getting started. Toppling a player like Keys, in straight sets is huge! But of course, Eala also has to thank the academy for their guidance to help her reach this stage.

Eala explains her journey to Rafa Nadal Academy

At just 13, Alexandra Eala’s talent shone so brightly that her family made the bold move to send her across the globe to Rafael Nadal‘s academy in Mallorca, Spain. Without question, the academy’s top-tier coaching and facilities fueled her growth, transforming her into the 2022 US Open girls’ singles champion and a rising star on the WTA Tour. Acknowledging the impact of his move she said, “The academy has been my home for the past seven years. Of course, my family should take credit for the foundation that they laid out before they sent me there. But, of course, the academy was able to build on that foundation in such a way that I’m able to be where I am now.”

But sending a young teenager to Europe was a daunting decision, yet Eala’s brother Miko’s simultaneous enrollment eased her parents’ concerns. Despite her close family ties, she recognized the necessity of the move. “It was definitely a big decision for me, for us. As soon as I heard that, I jumped at the opportunity because I knew that I had to get out of the country eventually to improve,” she recalled.

Her passion for tennis ignited through her grandfather, a dedicated club player who mentored her brother and cousins before turning his focus to her. “I was kind of the next in line to do that and to spend time with him. It eventually blossomed into the career I have now,” she shared.

Now, with her momentum building and not a single set dropped in Miami, Eala, ranked 140th, prepares to face Spain’s 10th seed Paula Badosa. Could she deliver another upset, fueled by her drive and unwavering family support? We’d love to know what you think!