“Training with Rafa is something young kids can only dream about”: Alexandra Eala on special Nadal sesión
Tennis News
Alexandra Eala spoke about her recent training session with Rafael Nadal, an experience that stood out during her off-season preparations. The 22-time Grand Slam champion has rarely picked up a racquet since his retirement, having returned to the court only twice, both times to train with players from the Rafa Nadal Academy: Alina Korneeva and Eala herself.
The former US Open junior champion was developed at the Rafa Nadal Academy and continues to train there regularly. As part of her off-season, Eala returned to the academy’s base in Mallorca, where she shared a practice session with Nadal a few weeks ago. Despite his busy schedule, Nadal was closely involved, stepping back on court not as a competitor, but as a mentor. Eala, currently ranked world No. 53, described her role modestly as “just sparring.”
Eala has been one of the most active players on the WTA Tour over the past month. After finishing her season at the Hong Kong Open — where she was eliminated in the second round by Victoria Mboko — the Filipina committed to an intense training block in preparation for the SEA Games. That work paid off on December 18, when she captured the gold medal for the Philippines in Thailand.
Shortly before travelling to Thailand, Eala took part in the training session with the former world No. 1, marking Nadal’s return to the court in a coaching capacity. “It was special for me, obviously training with Rafa is something that people and young kids can only dream about,” Eala said. “It was such a pleasure to share the court with him. He gave me some tips on my forehand and a few other small pieces of advice.”
The 20-year-old admitted that, despite spending years at the academy, this was the first time she had ever hit with Nadal. “This is the first time I’ve ever hit with him in my life and it’s just a memory that will last forever,” she added.
Eala confirms new exhibition
Eala did not take much time off after winning gold in Thailand. After just one week, she travelled to the Macau Tennis Masters to compete in an exhibition event, where she played under the guidance of Li Na and faced Mirra Andreeva in singles, falling in straight sets.
Now, Eala is preparing for the start of her 2026 season in New Zealand, where she will compete at the ASB Classic in Auckland. The tournament will mark her season debut and serve as her only official event before the Australian Open, where she is set to make her first-ever main draw appearance at the year’s opening Grand Slam.
Eala has also added another exhibition event to her January schedule, confirming her participation in the Kooyong Classic. There, she will face Paris 2024 silver medallist Donna Vekic, former world No. 5 Daniela Hantuchova, and home player Priscilla Hon.
The traditional Australian Open warm-up event will feature a predominantly male lineup, led by world No. 8 Lorenzo Musetti, world No. 11 Alexander Bublik, and former world No. 13 Nick Kyrgios. Matteo Berrettini, Denis Shapovalov, Learner Tien, and Frances Tiafoe have also been confirmed for the exhibition, which will take place from January 13 to 15, the weekend prior to the Australian Open.
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
claps 0visitors 0
Just In
Popular News
Latest Comments
- I, like writer of this wonderful article, also picked Noskova to win this entire thing. I would love it if she and Andreeva are in the final.Rapunzel12-11-2026
- "Priorities", Saba... spend less time in front of cameras, anti-Social Media, selfies and back to Tennis.
mandoist12-11-2026 - Tell this to Andreeva!mandoist12-11-2026
- Andreeva with 11 games in a row to add to Saba's downward spiral issue !!! Personal feelings aside... Jess Pegula may want to reassess her evaluation of Mirra's abilities.mandoist12-11-2026
- I predicted whenthe list was finalised that Linda Noskova would win the WTA Finals and her matches against Gauff and Kostyuk prove that. She is the best (underrated) player in the world!Rapunzel11-11-2026
- Either Lena has a chronic internal ailment (i.e., colitis, enteritis, Crohn's, or some type of lower abdomen issue) -- or she is once again dealing with 'Vukovitis'. Mental stress can indeed cause lower body pains. No matter... whatever is truly going on sucks. "Virus" excuse is getting a bit old -- and often -- at this point.mandoist09-11-2026
- Ironically, Martina became a U.S. Citizen about the same time as the Orange Convicted Felon & Abuser was just beginning on his road to losing all Daddy's Millions!!mandoist09-11-2026
- "Another fresh start is in the cards." Thanks for the Humor!! I'm guessing this is the minimum one can do to keep all your sponsors hanging-on in perpetuity?mandoist09-11-2026
- Vukov is doing this to Lena... AGAIN!!!!! WTA's autonomous collective should be dismantled for allowing Vukov to re-emerge from his hand-slapping suspension. Just ask WTA employees how that's been going lately as they witness his continued verbal abuses. Women's Pro Tennis should start over.mandoist08-11-2026
- Can't help but suspect Vukov is back to his old self again. Thank you, WTA. Perhaps you can give them a "Battling Couple of the Year Award 2026" ??mandoist08-11-2026
