Rafa Nadal congratulates Alex Eala on breakthrough WTA title

Rafa Nadal beamed with pride after Alex Eala — one of the alumni of his academy — seized her breakthrough WTA title.

The 20-year-old Filipina ace staged a comeback against 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 am happy and proud of what you’re achieving for yourself and for the Philippines,” Nadal said in a short post on X.

Congrats @AlexEala05 for your first @WTA ????.

I am happy and proud of what you are achieving for yourself and for the Philippines ???????? https://t.co/MzoFV2eQrr

— Rafa Nadal (@RafaelNadal) September 7, 2025

Nadal himself is an icon in the sport.

The Spanish tennis legend have won 22 Grand Slam titles, including a record 14 French Open championships, in a career that saw him emerge as one of the greatest players to ever step on the court.

Eala has been making history throughout the year, from her dream run at the Miami Open, to her WTA Finals appearance at the Eastbourne Open, to her first win in a Grand Slam at the US Open, to Guadalajara.

READ MORE | Alex Eala and her historic career moments in 2025

She is expected to go to Brazil this week for the SP Open. Later this year, she will also compete in several events in Asia.

—Bea Micaller/JMB, GMA Integrated News