Who is Alexandra Eala, the teen Rafael Nadal academy graduate and first Filipino to win a Grand Slam match in the open era?

Alexandra Eala, the Filipino tennis sensation, became the first player representing the Philippines to win a Grand Slam match in the Open era. She defeated No.14 seed Clara Tauson 6-3, 2-6, 7-6 (13-11) on Sunday, August 24, at the US Open.

She came back from a 5-1 deficit in the third set and got some help from a key video review decision that flustered Tauson.

Eala is currently ranked 75th and trains at the Rafael Nadal Academy.


This was her fourth win against a top-20 opponent in 2025, including a victory against Iga Swiatek in March, which led her to the Miami Open semifinals.

Who is Alexandra Eala?

Eala was born on May 23, 2005, in Quezon City, Philippines. Her mother, Rosemarie "Rizza" Maniego-Eala, was a bronze medalist in the 100-meter backstroke at the 1985 Southeast Asian Games and later served as Globe Telecom's chief financial officer.

Eala is the niece of Noli Eala, a former chairperson of the Philippine Sports Commission and commissioner of the Philippine Basketball Association.

Her brother, Michael "Miko" Eala, played tennis for the Pennsylvania State University Nittany Lions from 2020 to 2024.

Eala attended Immaculate Conception Academy in San Juan and Colegio San Agustin in Makati before transferring to the Rafa Nadal Academy in Manacor, Mallorca, Spain, where she graduated in 2023.

The journey at the Rafael Nadal academy and beyond

Eala moved to Spain at the age of 13 to train. She had the support of Rafa Nadal's uncle, Toni Nadal, who was in her corner during her victory over Swiatek.

Eala graduated from the academy in 2023, and Swiatek was a guest of honor at the ceremony.

Like the 22-time major winner Nadal, Eala is a left-handed player.

Her four-match winning streak in Miami has matched the best result achieved by a wildcard in the tournament since the women’s draw was introduced in 1985.

This record was previously set by Justine Henin, who reached the semifinals in 2010, and Victoria Azarenka, who accomplished the same feat in 2018.