Rafael Nadal hails Alexandra Eala: 'Let's maintain dreaming'

Alexandra Eala is writing Filipino historical past books on the Miami Open! The 19-year-old obtained a wild card for the WTA 1000 occasion and reached her first WTA semi-final following notable victories. Rafael Nadal has watched Eala’s progress in Florida.

The Filipina skilled at Rafa Nadal Academy for a few years and graduated in June 2023. Alongside Rafa, Iga Swiatek was there through the ceremony, making the younger gun’s memorable day much more particular.

Lower than two years later, Alexandra defeated Iga 6-2, 7-5 within the Miami Open quarter-final. Nadal congratulated an adolescent and wished her to maintain dreaming!

👏🏻 We’re extraordinarily pleased with you, Alex.

What an unimaginable event! Let’s maintain dreaming! 💪🏼 https://t.co/OlQXYRjO4f

— Rafa Nadal (@RafaelNadal) March 26, 2025

Rafa’s uncle Toni adopted Alexandra from her teaching field and loved in what she displayed. The younger gun ousted two Main champions earlier than going through Swiatek, toppling Jelena Ostapenko and Madison Keys. Not stopping there, Eala confirmed no worry towards world no. 2.

The Filipina left the Pole behind within the opening set after hitting with energy and precision. Alexandra trailed 4-2 within the second set earlier than taking 5 of the ultimate six video games for a notable triumph. They each struggled behind the preliminary shot, and Alexandra made the distinction behind the second serve.

Alexandra Eala, Miami Open 2025© Stream screenshot

A young person suffered 5 breaks and stole the rival’s serve eight occasions in ten return video games! Tey embraced deuces and break factors within the first half of the opening set, requiring over 40 minutes for the primary eight video games. Iga grabbed a break within the first sport of the duel with a pointy return.

World no. 2 missed an opportunity to cement the lead within the second sport and performed a free forehand to carry the younger gun again to the optimistic aspect. Alexandra saved a break level within the third sport and prolonged the subsequent one.

Swiatek netted a forehand to drop serve for the second straight time and fall 3-1 behind. The Pole pulled the break again in sport 5 and returned to the optimistic aspect. Eala stored her composure and landed a return winner at 3-2 for her third straight break of serve.

Alexandra Eala, Miami Open 2025© Stream screenshot

The Filipina supplied a maintain at love for 5-2 and attacked on the return in sport eight. Alexandra clinched her fourth break in a row with a pressured error, wrapping up the opener 6-2 in 43 minutes. Eala gained confidence and cracked a backhand crosscourt winner within the second sport of the second set.

Thus, she delivered her fifth straight break and moved nearer to the end line. Swiatek fought again and rattled off 4 video games. The Pole pulled the break again in sport three and held within the subsequent one for 2-2. Iga made one other push on the return in sport 5.

She secured one other break to maneuver in entrance and drew Eala’s mistake on serve in sport six for a 4-2 benefit. A young person stored her composure and pulled the break again at 3-4 after welcoming Iga’s backhand mistake. Swiatek secured her fifth and final break in sport 9 with a strong backhand.

World no. 2 served for the set in sport ten and did not carry it house. The Pole missed a forehand and skilled a pricey break that stored the Filipina within the set. Alexandra held for 6-5 and stepped in on the return within the subsequent one.

A young person created a match level and welcomed the rival’s mistake to maneuver excessive and rejoice her career-best victory at 19.