ALEXANDRA EALA has thanked Rafa Nadal’s uncle for the key role he has played in her tennis career – and during this US Open fortnight.
The most popular tennis player in the world progressed to the third round of the New York Slam following a 6-1 6-4 win over Ukrainian Oleksandra Oliynykova on the Louis Armstrong Stadium.
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The Filipino, 21, brings along huge support whenever she plays, with fellow countrymen and women making the effort to attend her matches.
Before turning pro, the world No18’s formative years were spent at the Rafael Nadal Academy in Mallorca – 7,000 miles from Quezon City where she was born – until she graduated there in 2023.
It was there that she caught the eye of Toni, the mastermind behind nephew Nadal’s incredible tennis journey, which saw him lift 22 Slams and become a sporting legend.
The Spanish coach has a reputation for being hard-nosed and demanding disciplinarian.
Though he is not the main coach – Joan Bosch has that role – he works with Eala at the big events, coming on-board as a technical director.
Toni, 65, was seen on the Flushing Meadows practice this week and in her press conference Eala took a trip down memory lane.
Speaking ahead of her Saturday clash with American talent Iva Jovic – the first time she has made the Last 32 in New York – Eala said: “To have my family here and travel with me some weeks, it’s great.
“They’re also able to experience it, you know. They went through the whole journey with me.
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How to watch the 2026 US Open
THE 2026 US Open is here and there are plenty of ways to get in on the action.
The top stars including Carlos Alcaraz and Aryna Sabalenka are going for glory, and you don’t want to miss out on any of the action.
Below you’ll find the places to catch live US Open on TV and in person from New York City.
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“So for them to experience being on tour, it’s really nice for us to experience it together, as well as my team.
“They’ve been on this journey, through thick and thin.
“Toni, I’ve been working with for a really long time, of course, because I train at the Rafael Nadal Academy.
“It’s funny. When I was on court with Toni here, it’s a full-circle moment.
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“Because I guess the first times I was on court with Toni or the times I’m on court with Toni, it’s always in the Academy.
“Now I’ve gotten good enough where he’s able to see me in the US Open.
“Same goes with my coaches Joan, Alexandro and Yuke.
“I think the people are a huge part of the journey, and I’m really happy to be able to experience, I guess, tennis at the highest level with them.
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“I think experience has been definitely helpful. I do feel like a more well-rounded player now and more mature. I guess with time comes maturity and more intelligence.
“I think I just have more knowledge with experience in terms of tennis and competing at the very high level and knowledge of what I’m capable of and belief in myself.”