Philippine tennis star Alex Eala primed for more success after first WTA final, says Rafael Nadal
MANILA – Tennis legend Rafa Nadal believes Alex Eala is just getting started following her runner-up finish at the Lexus Eastbourne Open on Saturday night.
Nadal, the 22-time Grand Slam champion, celebrated Eala's historic feat after becoming the first Filipino to reach a WTA final despite falling to Maya Joint of Australia, 4-6, 6-1, 6(10)-7.
'The first final of many finals, [Alex Eala]👏🏼,' wrote Nadal on X while reposting a video of Eala's emotional post-match speech.
The Rafa Nadal Academy also congratulated its rising alumna, who worked her way to the final after entering the WTA 250 event as a qualifier.
'We are so proud of you! Amazing tournament,' the Academy wrote.
The 20-year-old Eala, who squandered four championship points in the tiebreak, believes the painful defeat only pushes her to be better.
'Thank you everyone for the love. This has to be one of the toughest losses of my early career, but I firmly believe that it's these moments that make you stronger and shape your character,' she said.
Eala tries to move on from the loss when she makes her Wimbledon main draw debut on Tuesday against defending champion Barbora Krejcikova of the Czech Republic.
'Though I'm so happy with the positive week, it's full speed ahead to Wimbledon. I have a date with Centre Court,' she said.
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