By Richard Pagliaro | @Tennis_Now | Monday, March 24, 2025
Photo credit: Alexandra Eala Instagram/Rafa Nadal Academy Facebook
The legendary Rafael Nadal, a five-time finalist, has yet to clinch his first Miami Open title.
This year, the Rafa Nadal Academy has proven to be a powerhouse, shining brightly during the opening week of the Miami Open.
Filipina Star: Eala Stuns Keys in Miami Upset
Students from Nadal’s academy are making waves at the Hard Rock Stadium.
Nineteen-year-old wild card Alexandra Eala and 20-year-old Coleman Wong, both dedicated trainees at the Rafa Nadal Academy, have claimed incredible victories against formidable American seeds.
In a breathtaking match, Eala triumphed over Australian Open champion Madison Keys with a score of 6-4, 6-2, marking a historic milestone as the first Filipino woman to defeat a Grand Slam champion in the Open Era at the Miami Open.
With this incredible achievement, Eala has also become the first Filipina to overcome a Top 10 player, joining the ranks of Naomi Osaka and Zheng Qinwen as one of just three Asian teenagers to topple a Grand Slam champion in the past decade.
Playing with a Babolat racquet and sporting Nike attire, inspired by her idol Nadal, Eala let out a joyous “Vamos!” after securing the biggest victory of her career.
She expressed that her celebratory cheer was a tribute to her heritage.
Having joined the Academy at the tender age of 13, alongside her brother Miko, Eala described her relationship with Nadal as “good friends” and credits the Academy for its “astronomical” influence on her game, enhancing the solid foundation laid by her family in the Philippines.
“The academy has felt like home for the past seven years. Of course, my family deserves recognition for the groundwork they established before sending me there,” Eala noted. “Yet, the academy has built upon that foundation in such a way that I am now able to reach this point.”
“The journey I’ve taken since I started tennis plays a huge role in leading me to this moment and opening up all these opportunities.”
Meanwhile, world No. 182 and Hong Kong native Wong pulled off a remarkable upset against 13th-seeded Bent Shelton, prevailing 7-6(3), 2-6, 7-6(5) to become the lowest-ranked man to reach the Miami round of 32 in a decade.
“This is for you, Hong Kong,” Wong exclaimed following his monumental victory.
A tremendous effort behind these wins! We are so proud of you, Coleman! A historic moment for Hong Kong 👏🏻 https://t.co/3XtlJkiy0P
— Rafa Nadal (@RafaelNadal) March 22, 2025
“A lot of hard work has gone into these successes. We are incredibly proud of you, Coleman!” praised the Rafa Nadal Academy on their social media. “A groundbreaking win for Hong Kong.”
Eala and Wong share a strong camaraderie, both being each other’s biggest cheerleaders. Eala remarked that Wong motivates her performance, but clarified that they are not romantically involved.
“I’m truly thrilled for him! Seeing someone who I’ve known for so long excel is definitely inspiring,” Eala shared. “I believe many people can draw inspiration from his story.”
In addition to the dazzling performances of Eala and Wong, other standout pros from the Nadal Academy have made strides as well. No. 5-seeded Casper Ruud, who has trained alongside Nadal at the Academy, is set to face Francisco Cerundolo in the round of 32.
In another thrilling match, the 56th-ranked Spaniard, Jaume Munar, pushed Gael Monfils to a third-set tiebreaker before succumbing in an exhilarating 7-5, 5-7, 7-6(1) showdown.
This excitement unfolds on the eighth anniversary of Nadal’s valiant run to the Miami Open final in 2017, when the tournament was still held at its previous venue in Crandon Park, Key Biscayne.
Nadal triumphed over Fabio Fognini with a score of 6-1, 7-5, securing his fifth appearance in the Miami Open final.
MORE: Federer Defeats Nadal in Miami Open Final
In their 37th clash, Roger Federer bested Nadal for the fourth consecutive time, winning 6-3, 6-4, capturing his first Miami Open title in 11 years and completing his third Sunshine Double, having won Indian Wells and Key Biscayne back-to-back.
