"I think the combination of everything": Alexandra Eala opens up about role of Rafa Nadal Academy in helping her securing upset win over Madison Keys at Miami Open

Philippines’ young sensation Alexandra Eala has opened up about what it means to achieve incredible milestones at the Miami Open. The 19-year-old has become a real surprise package at the ongoing WTA 1000 event as she booked her place in the quarterfinal after beating the 2025 Australian Open winner, America’s Madison Keys, in the round of 16 in straight sets with a score of 6-4, 6-2.

With that, she became the first player from the Philippines to defeat two Grand Slam winners. Before beating Keys, Eala defeated the 2017 French Open winner Latvia’s Jeļena Ostapenko in the round of 64 in straight sets with a score of 7-6, 7-5. The youngster was quoted in a report by Tennis.com, in which she talked about what victory means for her career. She also spoke about her tennis journey, which involved training at the Rafa Nadal academy, and credited her family for giving her the desired support.

“I think every single player here has envisioned themselves as a successful tennis player,” said Eala. “This is the goal, to do well on the WTA Tour, to win Slams, to get the rankings. I think this is a good step towards where I want to be. It came as a shock because I was young. I was 13 when we made that decision. My parents… sent my brother (Miko) along with me, so I still had family close. It was definitely a big decision for me, for us. But as soon as I heard that, I jumped at the opportunity because I knew that I had to get out of the country eventually to improve. My family should take credit for the foundation that they laid out before they sent me there. But of course, the academy was able to build on that foundation in such a way that I'm able to be where I am now. I think the combination of everything that I've been through since I started tennis is what has led to this moment and what has led to me having all these opportunities.”

Eala is now set to face Spain’s Paula Badosa in the round of 16 of the competition. The 27-year-old defeated Denmark’s Clara Tauson in the round of 32 in straight sets with a score of 6-3, 7-6.