US Open: Rafael Nadal's sister elated after Alexandra Eala's historic triumph

Rafael Nadal’s sister Maribel was over the moon after Alexandra Eala scripted history on Sunday, August 24, becoming the first Filipino player in the Open Era to win a main-draw match at a Grand Slam. Eala achieved the feat after she defeated 14th seed Clara Tauson 6-3, 2-6, 7-6 (13-11).

Eala showcased extraordinary resilience in the three-set thriller, saving multiple match points with fearless shot-making and unshakeable composure. Trailing 1-5 in the deciding set, she refused to surrender, clawing her way back to script a stunning comeback.

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After the victory, Rafael Nadal’s sister took to social media to laud her, posting ‘Amazing’ along with a video of Eala’s wholehearted celebration.

After her win over Tauson, Eala said, "I would say anything is possible, and it’s important to dream big. I’ve always been ambitious, and even though no one from my country had done this before or found success in tennis, I drew inspiration wherever I could—from my family, from my brother. So my message is to stay ambitious, dream big, and believe that you can achieve it."

Alexandra Eala rises and rises

Eala has close ties to Rafael Nadal, having trained at the Rafael Nadal Academy in Mallorca since the age of 13. The daughter of former Southeast Asian Games swimming medalist Rizza Maniego-Eala, she completed her studies at the academy in 2023.

To mark her graduation, she posed for a photo with Nadal and five-time Grand Slam champion Iga Swiatek, who’s currently a part of the ongoing US Open as the World No.2.

Eala carries fond memories of the US Open. In 2022, she made history by becoming the first Filipino to win a junior Grand Slam singles title, lifting the girls’ crown in New York.

Earlier this year at the Miami Open, Eala stunned the tennis world with a dream run, defeating three Grand Slam champions in succession. She first overcame Jelena Ostapenko, then eased past reigning Australian Open winner Madison Keys, before toppling Swiatek to become the first Filipino to reach the semi-finals of a WTA 1000 event.

The Filipino star awaits Cristina Bucsa or Claire Liu as her opponent in the second round at Flushing Meadows.