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In the heart of Rome’s iconic Foro Italico, 19-year-old Filipina tennis sensation Alexandra "Alex" Eala showcased her burgeoning talent at the 2025 Italian Open, reaching the women’s doubles quarterfinals alongside American star Coco Gauff. Their impressive run, which captivated fans worldwide, came to a thrilling close against defending champions Sara Errani and Jasmine Paolini of Italy, with a hard-fought 7-5, 3-6, 10-7 defeat. While the loss marked the end of Eala’s doubles campaign in Rome, her performance underscored her rapid rise in the tennis world—a journey profoundly shaped by the encouragement and support of tennis legend Rafael Nadal.

Eala, ranked No. 70 in the world, and Gauff, a former doubles World No. 1 and 2023 US Open singles champion, formed an unexpected yet dynamic partnership at the Italian Open. The duo’s chemistry, sparked by a spontaneous Instagram DM from Eala to Gauff, led to a series of commanding performances. They kicked off their campaign with a 6-3, 6-1 rout of Alexandra Panova and Fanny Stollár in the Round of 32, followed by a 6-2, 6-3 victory over Italian pair Tyra Caterina Grant and Lisa Pigato in the Round of 16. These straight-set wins highlighted Eala’s aggressive baseline play and Gauff’s seasoned court coverage, earning them a quarterfinal showdown against the formidable Errani and Paolini.

The quarterfinal match was a rollercoaster, with Eala and Gauff pushing the defending champions to the limit. Despite leveling the score at 4-4 in the first set and dominating the second, they fell short in the decisive tiebreak, ending their run after a gripping 1 hour and 39 minutes. “It was a bittersweet result,” noted Rappler, as Eala’s campaign concluded, but not without leaving an indelible mark on the WTA 1000 event. For Eala, the experience was a testament to her growing prowess and a stepping stone toward her upcoming main draw debut at the French Open, set to begin on May 25, 2025.

Eala’s journey to the Italian Open is a story of grit, talent, and transformative mentorship. Born in Quezon City, Philippines, Eala began playing tennis at age four and quickly emerged as a prodigy. At 12, she left home to train at the Rafa Nadal Academy in Mallorca, Spain—a move that would shape her career. The academy, founded by 22-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal, provided Eala with world-class coaching and facilities, fostering her development into a player capable of competing on the global stage.

Eala graduated from the academy in 2023, with none other than Iga Swiatek, the world No. 2, standing beside her at the ceremony. Reflecting on her time in Mallorca, Eala credited the academy for building on the foundation laid by her family. “The Rafa Nadal Academy has been my home for the past seven years,” she said in a post on X. “The academy was able to build on that foundation in such a way that I’m able to be where I am now.” Her training under the guidance of coaches like Toni Nadal, Rafael’s uncle and former coach, honed her aggressive, flat-hitting style, characterized by a signature down-the-line forehand that has troubled top players.

Rafael Nadal’s influence on Eala extends beyond the academy’s courts. The Spanish icon has been a vocal supporter, celebrating her milestones with personal messages that resonate deeply with the young Filipina. Following Eala’s stunning upset of Jelena Ostapenko at the 2025 Miami Open, Nadal took to X to congratulate her: “Congratulations Alex! What a great win for you and for 🇵🇭! 👏🏻” This public endorsement from a tennis legend underscored Eala’s growing impact, not just for herself but for the Philippines, a nation of 115 million with little tennis history.

Eala’s Miami run, where she defeated three Grand Slam champions—Ostapenko, Madison Keys, and Swiatek—before falling to Jessica Pegula in the semifinals, was a breakout moment. Nadal’s support continued, with reports noting that he personally congratulated her for her “phenomenal week.” Toni Nadal’s presence in Eala’s box during her Miami victory over Swiatek further highlighted the academy’s investment in her success, evoking memories of Toni’s days coaching Rafael to greatness. As one X user remarked, “The Big Guns of Rafa Nadal Academy are all support to their rising alumna Alex Eala. It’s nice to see Uncle Toni at Alex’s box.

Nadal’s encouragement has been a source of inspiration for Eala, who has expressed gratitude for the opportunities he has provided. “Thank you Rafa! You’ve influenced me in more ways than you know,” she wrote on X. “You have set up unbelievable opportunities for me & countless other kids, & for that I am so grateful.” This mutual respect underscores the bond between the tennis icon and his protégé, with Nadal’s academy serving as a launchpad for Eala’s ascent.

Eala’s achievements at the Italian Open and beyond are historic for the Philippines, a country with no prior tennis stars of her caliber. Her Miami Open semifinal appearance made her the first Filipino to reach that stage of a WTA 1000 event, and her victories over top-10 players like Keys and Swiatek marked her as a trailblazer. Her Italian Open performance, though cut short, further solidified her reputation as a doubles threat, building on her junior Grand Slam titles, including the 2022 US Open girls’ singles crown.

As Eala prepares for Roland Garros, where she will make her Grand Slam main draw debut, the tennis world is watching closely. Her aggressive style, mental toughness, and the backing of mentors like Nadal position her as a potential future star. “My game plan was to stick to what I know and run,” Eala said of her approach, a philosophy that reflects the relentless work ethic instilled by her time at the Nadal Academy.

While Eala and Gauff’s Italian Open journey ended in the quarterfinals, the experience was a milestone for the Filipina star. Her partnership with Gauff, dubbed “Team Ealauff” by fans (though the players playfully rejected “Team Coachella”), captured hearts and hinted at future collaborations. As Gauff noted, Eala’s “killer” doubles instincts and junior Slam pedigree make her a formidable partner.

With the French Open on the horizon, Eala is poised to continue her ascent, carrying the hopes of a nation and the support of Rafael Nadal. His academy has given her the tools to compete with the best, and his personal encouragement has fueled her belief in her potential. As Eala steps onto the clay of Roland Garros, she does so not just as a player, but as a symbol of possibility—for the Philippines, for young dreamers, and for the legacy of Nadal’s vision.