Rafael Nadal and Alex Eala during training at Rafa Nadal Academy. RAFA NADAL ACADEMY PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — Filipinos aren’t the only ones who have taken notice of rising tennis star Alex Eala.
Eala recently climbed two spots in the girls’ world rankings and is now at number two after making the semifinal of the 2020 Roland Garros juniors tournament.
The 15-year-old Eala’s accomplishment was quickly lauded by her mentor Rafael Nadal, who likewise chalked up another milestone when he clinched his 20th Grand Slam win and 13th French Open title
Vamosssss. Very happy for you and keep up the hard work and great results.
— Rafa Nadal (@RafaelNadal) October 13, 2020
“Vamosssss. Very happy for you and keep up the hard work and great results,” Nadal, who dumped world No. 1 Novak Djokovic, 6-0, 6-2, 7-5, in the men’s singles final last Sunday, wrote on Twitter.
It was also a historic moment for Eala, a Rafa Nadal Academy scholar, as she became the first Filipino to reach the semis of a Grand Slam event since Felix Barrientos in the 1985 Wimbledon.