Toni Nadal makes feelings known on Rafa Nadal Academy student Alexandra Eala’s dream run at Miami Open

Alexandra Eala, who graduated from the Rafa Nadal Academy in 2023, became the first Filipina to reach a tour-level semifinal.

Toni Nadal makes feelings known on Rafa Nadal Academy student Alexandra Eala’s dream run at Miami Open

Alexandra Eala, Toni Nadal (Image via X/Tennis Channel, Rafa Nadal Academy)

Alexandra Eala has enjoyed a dream run at the 2025 Miami Open. The teenager was responsible for the elimination of three Grand Slam champions.

Her first victim was 2017 French Open winner Jelena Ostapenko in the second round. In the following round, 2025 Australian Open champion Madison Keys was Eala’s next target.

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The 19-year-old then registered the biggest victory of her career when she toppled World No.2 Iga Swiatek in the quarterfinals, denying the Pole an opportunity to inch closer to her first title since the 2024 French Open. Eala, a Rafa Nadal Academy graduate, was battling with Swiatek in front of Rafael Nadal‘s uncle and former coach Toni Nadal, who analyzed the teen sensation’s match and is expecting more incredible results from her.

She’s a girl I’ve always believed in. For us, it’s an achievement because she’s the one who’s been with us the longest, training here for almost six years. During all that time, there’s never been a single complaint, neither from her nor from her family.

Toni Nadal said (H/T: Punto de Break)

Eala went to the tennis academy in Mallorca at the age of 13 and graduated in 2023. Swiatek was present during the ceremony and Eala also has a picture of her posing along with Nadal and Swiatek when she graduated from the academy.

She’s showing her full potential. Beating the world’s No. 5 and the world’s No. 2 in the same tournament is no easy feat. Beating players of this level means that, as long as you keep improving, you can be among the best in the world.

Toni Nadal added

Alexandra Eala ended the Miami Open campaign with defeat to Jessica Pegula

Eala was on the verge of ousting Jessica Pegula in the semifinals. But it was the home favorite who used her experience to make an impressive comeback to come on top of the youngster with scores of 7-6(3), 5-7, 6-3 in two hours and 26 minutes.

Alexandra Eala (3)
Alexandra Eala (Image via X/The Tennis Letter)

It was tough. I played a good first set, a little letdown in the second, got it back, went up 2-0 in the tiebreak, but it kind of flipped. She started moving the ball really well, serving good. Sometimes it just happens, but I just wanted to come out in the third really strong, really quick, and just kind of jump on her and not keep the third set too close.

Jessica Pegula said during her on-court interview

Before Eala, Pegula also ended 2021 US Open champion Emma Raducanu‘s campaign in the quarterfinals. Pegula, the runner-up at the 2024 US Open, reached her first final at the Miami Open.

She will next lock horns with World No.1 Aryna Sabalenka, who defeated two-time Grand Slam singles finalist Jasmine Paolini. The Belarusian holds a 6-2 lead in the head-to-head encounter with the 31-year-old.

Alexandra Eala scripted history at the Miami Open after beating Iga Swiatek

Eala etched her name on record books with her win over Iga Swiatek. She became the first player from the Philippines to move to a tour-level semifinal. After beating the five-time Grand Slam champion, Eala became the third wild card to advance to the last four in the tournament after Justine Henin (2010) and Victoria Azarenka (2018).

Alexandra Eala
Alexandra Eala (Image via X/CGTN Sports Scene)

The World No.40’s win over Swiatek also guaranteed her a spot inside the top 100, making her the first Filipina to do so. Eala also became the second wild card to secure victories over two or more Grand Slam champions in a tour-level event following Elina Svitolina at the 2023 Wimbledon. She is only the third player ranked outside the top 100 to beat Swiatek in a WTA main draw.