Tennis legend Rafael Nadal had a heartfelt message for Alex Eala after the young Filipina pulled off a stunning upset at the 2025 Miami Open, defeating world No. 2 and five-time Grand Slam champion Iga Swiatek in the quarterfinals.
Eala, a 19-year-old wild card entrant, made history by securing her place in the tournament’s semifinals. She stunned Swiatek with a composed yet aggressive performance, winning 6-2, 7-5.
The victory marked her third consecutive win over a Grand Slam champion, having previously taken down Jelena Ostapenko and Australian Open winner Madison Keys.
Following Eala’s incredible achievement, Nadal took to Instagram to share his admiration and encouragement.
“Congratulations, Alex! Let’s keep dreaming!” the Spanish tennis icon wrote, along with a clip of Eala’s match-winning moment.
Eala’s journey is deeply connected to Nadal, as she trained at the Rafa Nadal Academy in Spain. Throughout her development, she has credited the academy for shaping her game and mindset.
Per The Athletic, Nadal’s uncle and renowned coach, Toni Nadal, was present in Eala’s box during her match against Swiatek.
As Eala prepares for her semifinal match, she carries the pride of the Philippines and the admiration of fans worldwide. With Nadal’s encouragement and her remarkable form, the rising star continues to prove that she belongs among the best in the sport.
Her journey is far from over, but one thing is sure—Alex Eala is making history, one match at a time.
