After breaking new ground at the 2022 US Open, Alexandra Eala took a second to acknowledge Rafael Nadal’s affect on her journey.
Eala joined the Rafa Nadal Academy at 13 and graduated 5 years later, already making a title for herself in the course of.
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The Filipina had already made headlines in that time, turning into the first from her nation to win a junior Grand Slam title.
Eala had already captured two junior doubles titles before including the 2022 US Open ladies’ singles crown to her resume. After sealing that victory, she mirrored on Nadal’s influence.
Alexandra Eala shares why Rafael Nadal impressed her after junior US Open win
Photo by Christopher Pike/Getty Images
Eala’s straight units victory over Lucie Havlikova in the closing was a vital milestone, marking a historic achievement for Filipino tennis.
Speaking after the match, she was requested about who she appeared up to and how she ended up coaching at Nadal’s academy.
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“Well, I think my idol is obviously Rafa,” responded Eala. “But I’m not just saying that because I’m in his academy (laughter).
“No, he’s a very good role model, something a lot of people should idolise and try to be. I won a tournament a couple years ago, maybe three years ago, in France. The academy reached out to my parents. After a while, long discussions, we decided that I would be based there.”
She defined that she tried to mirror Nadal’s strategy all through her US Open marketing campaign.
“The biggest thing I notice in Rafa is how he fights till the end, how his thoughts are so clear,” said Eala. “He’s so calm, but at the same time so fired up. I think I really tried to channel that energy during this whole week.
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How Rafael Nadal responded to Alexandra Eala’s junior US Open title win
Along with Eala’s tribute to Nadal, the 22-time Grand Slam winner also sent her a congratulatory message on Instagram.
Nadal commented under one of her posts: “Congrats on this great achievement and keep the good and hard work!!!! Vamos!”
Now, almost 4 years after that victory, Eala is having fun with a breakout season on the WTA Tour and has shortly become one of tennis’ most well-liked rising stars.
Despite no longer coaching at his academy, Eala stays close with Nadal, who has continued to support her as she climbs the rankings.
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They’ve even shared apply periods collectively, though Eala admitted she was ‘so nervous’ before their first hit.
Eala now faces high expectations as she appears to be like to construct on her junior success with a breakthrough at senior Grand Slam degree.
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