Rafa Nadal beamed with satisfaction after Alex Eala — one of many alumni of his academy — seized her breakthrough WTA title.
The 20-year-old Filipina ace staged a comeback in opposition to Hungary’s Panna Udvardy to rule the Guadalara 125 Open, 1-6, 7-5, 6-3, early Sunday in Mexico.
That served as Eala’s maiden WTA 125 crown, becoming the first to achieve such feat in Philippine tennis history.
“I’m completely happy and happy with what you’re reaching for your self and for the Philippines,” Nadal stated in a brief put up on X.
Congrats @AlexEala05 to your first @WTA ????.
I’m completely happy and happy with what you’re reaching for your self and for the Philippines ???????? https://t.co/MzoFV2eQrr
— Rafa Nadal (@RafaelNadal) September 7, 2025
Nadal himself is an icon within the sport.
The Spanish tennis legend have received 22 Grand Slam titles, together with a document 14 French Open championships, in a profession that noticed him emerge as one of many biggest gamers to ever step on the courtroom.
Eala has been making historical past all year long, from her dream run on the Miami Open, to her WTA Finals look on the Eastbourne Open, to her first win in a Grand Slam on the US Open, to Guadalajara.
READ MORE | Alex Eala and her historic career moments in 2025
She is predicted to go to Brazil this week for the SP Open. Later this 12 months, she can even compete in a number of occasions in Asia.
—Bea Micaller/JMB, GMA Built-in Information