Rafael Nadal reacts as his academy student Alexandra Eala makes history after toppling Madison Keys in Miami
Alexandra Eala scripted history at the Miami Open after knocking out fifth seed Madison Keys in the third round.
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Alexandra Eala, Rafael Nadal, Madison Keys (Image via X/CDN Digital, RacketStar.com, We Are Tennis)
Rafael Nadal probably had beamed with pride when one of the students of the Rafa Nadal Academy scripted history at the Miami Open. It was Alexandra Eala, the teenager from the Philippines, who stunned Madison Keys to reach the fourth round.
From the very start of the match, Eala dominated and her happiness knew no bounds when, with a 6-4, 6-2 scoreline, she came out on top of the 2025 Australian Open champion. The 22-time Grand Slam champion, Nadal, took to his Instagram story to drop a one-word reaction to Eala’s memorable victory. Eala has become the first Filipino player in the Open Era to beat a top 10 WTA player.
Check out his post here:
Keys was bidding for her 20th tour-level win this season, having won the Adelaide International and the Australian Open. But the 19-year-old kept her on the back foot and searched for opportunities to hit winners.
The 30-year-old was bidding for her third title of the season. Before Miami, Keys participated in the first event of the Sunshine Double at Indian Wells, her first tournament since the Australian Open. She progressed to the final but World No.1 Aryna Sabalenka was successful in taking revenge on her.
Alexandra Eala proud of her Miami Open victory
Apart from the aforementioned achievements, Alexandra Eala has also become the fourth wild card to defeat a top 5 player at the Miami Open since Daria Saville. The Australian ace, who failed to qualify for the main draw at this Miami Open, had defeated second-seeded Maria Sharapova in the second round.
I don’t think I’ve had the time to process everything that’s happened. so I’m taking it step by step and just focusing on what I need to do next. It’s a big thing to take in, and I’m so super proud of what I was able to accomplish, but it definitely fuels me more. I know and it’s in my mind that I have a next match, but I need to stop, and I need to recognize that what I did today was really amazing.
Alexandra Eala said at the press conference
Eala arrived in Miami following her fourth-round defeat at the Mumbai Open. She knocked out Katie Volynets to start her campaign following which, she eliminated Jelena Ostapenko before getting the better of Keys. Eala has not yet dropped a set in the tournament.
Alexandra Eala’s goal is to win Grand Slams
Alexandra Eala has won Grand Slam titles but on a junior level. Back in 2022, Eala lifted the 2022 US Open junior girls title en route to which, she had eliminated Mirra Andreeva in the quarterfinals. Andreeva, who got eliminated from the ongoing tournament after defeat to Amanda Anisimova, recently lifted two consecutive WTA 1000 titles.
While Andreeva has established herself as a force to be reckoned with in almost every tournament, Eala has a long road ahead of her to prove herself. She didn’t shy away from revealing that her goal is to win Major titles.
I think every single player here has envisioned themselves as a successful tennis player. This is the goal to do well on the WTA Tour, to win Slams. In the end, the goal is to win Slams, to get the rankings. I think this is a good step towards where I want to be.
Alexandra Eala said at the press conference
Eala will face Paula Badosa next. The former World No.2 from Spain, the 10th seed in the tournament, emerged victorious over 2025 ASB Open champion Clara Tauson in the previous round. Badosa hasn’t yet won a title this season, last winning a trophy at the Cincinnati Open in 2024.
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