In a rare and inspiring moment at the Rafa Nadal Academy, tennis legend Rafael Nadal himself stepped in to offer personal guidance to rising Filipino tennis star Alexandra Eala. Joan Bosch, Eala’s coach, recounted the experience, as both unexpected and unforgettable, praising Nadal’s humility and generosity in taking the time to mentor a young athlete.
“It was lucky firstly for Alexandra, and then for us, because it helps you to know how good it is that you have someone behind you, and you can’t have someone better than him right”, said Bosch in a candid interview at the Madrid Open.
Alexandra Eala (PHL) waves to fans while leaving the court after her match against Jessica Pegula
© Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
“It was then that Toni (Nadal) was also there and he was commenting on a couple of topics with Rafa (Rafael Nadal). Then Rafa buy his own decision, because he wanted to come down because I guess he felt identified (with the situation), no? Because he even told Alex (Alexandra)-this used to happen to me too-try to do this other thing. And who better than him to know how to improve things,” he said.
Eala bowed out of the Madrid Open after an enthralling encounter against Iga Swiatek earlier this week.
According to Bosch, Nadal observed Eala’s struggles and decided to personally step in—not out of obligation, but because he empathized with the challenges she was facing.
“Not only that he then picked up the racquet and started hitting some serves to teach her what he was saying,” Bosch continued. “Alex when he finished was looking at me and told me-i can’t believe it! And that’s the luck of being at Rafael Nadal Academy.”
The encounter highlights not only the exceptional access and mentorship offered at the Rafa Nadal Academy but also Nadal’s energy and enthusiasm to nurture the next generation of tennis talent.
