Rafael Nadal's sister Maribel sends her love to Alexandra Eala after academy student breaks into Top-50 for new career high

Rafael Nadal's sister, Maribel, heaped praise on the Spaniard's academy student Alexandra Eala, as the Filipina broke into the top 50 to achieve a new career-high. Eala was last in action at the WTA 250 Open last week, bowing out to eventual champion Victoria Mboko in the Round of 16.

Alexandra Eala travelled to Manacor with her brother in 2018, the year she began her training journey at the Rafa Nadal Academy. Since then, she has continued to make progress both in tennis and in life. She went on to win the doubles title at the Junior Australian Open at just 14 and repeated her feat at the Junior French Open the following year.

In 2025, Eala began her season as No. 138 and posted her most successful run at the Miami Open, where she ousted Jelena Ostapenko, Madison Keys, and Iga Swiatek to reach the semifinals. The result catapulted her to No. 75 in the WTA rankings. At the Hong Kong Open, she ended her run in the second round after losing to Mboko, but broke into the top 50 for the first time.

Rafael Nadal’s academy student shared a post on Instagram announcing the end of her 2025 season. She expressed pride in her successful year, highlighting moments from her achievements.

"My season comes to an end🥹 I have no words to describe what 2025 has brought me. My dreams have truly come alive." "It’s such a privilege to look back at this year and relive these amazing moments through memory. All that’s happened this season and the emotions that come with it is a love letter to my family, friends, team, every supporter across my journey in tennis, and of course, baby Alex. This marks the beginning of what I hope to be a long, happy and fruitful career on tour! Thank you every body, see you in 2026!"

Rafael Nadal's sister Maribel was quick to take to the comment section, commending Eala, writing:

"Amazing season Alex"

Maribel's comment on Eala's post; Instagram - @alex.eala

Eala has become the highest-ranked Filipino player in WTA history.

Rafael Nadal congratulated Alexandra Eala when she made history at the Miami Open

Nadal at the Davis Cup Finals - Source: Getty

Alexandra Eala unfurled her dominance at the 2025 Miami Open, winning over ace players and ultimately trouncing five-time Major champion Swiatek to advance to the semifinals. On her monumental achievement, the Filipina received acclaim from Nadal, who shared a message for the 20-year-old, writing:

"We are extremely proud of you, Alex. What an incredible tournament! Let’s keep dreaming!"

Nadal retired from professional tennis in 2024, after redefining the sport with his fellow luminaries. The Spaniard attained the 'King of Clay' honor for his dominance on the clay court, winning 14 Grand Slam titles at Roland Garros.

Edited by Agnijeeta Majumder