LOOK: Alex Eala trains with retired tennis legend Rafael Nadal
Alex Eala took her training up a notch as she shared the court with retired tennis legend Rafael Nadal.
Nadal, who has 22 Grand Slam titles, took to Instagram to post a video of their recent traning.
"One year later, it felt great to be back on a tennis court," the Spanish athlete wrote. "It was great to practice with you [Alex]! Next time I will be stronger."
"Back like you never left," Eala replied in the comments. "Thank you for today Rafa."
The Instagram Reel showed the 39-year-old former pro player in a match against Eala at the Rafa Nadal Academy. Eala beat Nadal, who spent 2019 weeks at No. 1 in the PIF ATP Rankings, and the two ended the practice session with a friendly high-five.
Nadal's last professional match was at the Davis Cup in November 2024.
ICYDK, the 20-year-old Eala trained at the Rafa Nadal Academy after she earned a scholarship when she was 12. She honed her skills in Mallorca, Spain, and two years after graduating from the academy in 2023, she made her historic Miami Open run, where she defeated Australian Open champion Madison Keys and World No. 2 Iga Swiatek.
Eala finished her 2025 season as World No. 50 with her first WTA title in the Guadalajara 125 Open.
When Eala won her first Grand Slam match, Nadal expressed his pride for the RNA fellow.
"I am happy and proud of what you are achieving for yourself and for the Philippines," he said in September.
The Pinay is set to compete at the 2025 MGM Macau Tennis Masters in late December.
