Alex Eala Recalls Accidental First Meeting With Idol Rafael Nadal Ahead Of Academy Enrollment

Alex Eala reveals her first interaction with Rafael Nadal happened at an airport before she officially joined his academy in Mallorca.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 25, 2026, 8:01 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Tennis365

A Chance Encounter In Madrid

The professional relationship between Alex Eala and her idol Rafael Nadal began in an entirely unplanned setting. During a recent interview, the twenty year old world number twenty nine revealed that her first interaction with the Spaniard took place at the Madrid airport. Eala was traveling with her family to Mallorca for a trial week at the Rafa Nadal Academy when they happened to spot the tennis icon in the terminal. The family pursued Nadal to request a photograph, an interaction Eala now looks back on as the perfect symbolic start to her career at his training facility in Manacor.

Navigating The Aura Of A Tennis Legend

Despite her rapid ascent through the WTA Rankings and her status as a high profile academy graduate, Eala confessed that she has not yet grown accustomed to Nadal’s presence. While she described the thirty nine year old legend as incredibly down to earth and genuinely interested in her progress, she admitted to becoming tongue tied during their conversations. Eala noted that the sense of awe she feels around Nadal has not diminished over time, and she continues to find it difficult to maintain her composure when the two share the court for practice sessions.

Mentorship Beyond The Academy Walls

The bond between the two players has strengthened since Eala’s breakout performance at the Miami Open last year. Nadal has been a vocal supporter of the Filipina, frequently offering public congratulations for her tournament successes and technical improvements. This mentorship culminated in a special joint practice session during the most recent off season, providing Eala with invaluable insights into the work ethic and intensity required to compete at the highest level of the sport.