What’s there that rising Filipino phenom Alexandra Eala can’t do? Slaying grand slam-winning giants? Done. Breaking into the top 100? Accomplished. The Miami Open breakout star, who made history at the WTA 1000 event by reaching the semis last month, is poised to witness success in the racket sport. No doubt about it. But what if we tell you she’s got another hidden talent? It seems she’s following in the footsteps of her idol and 22-time slam king Rafael Nadal. How? After hanging up his racket last year, he’s embraced the world of golf actively. And now, Eala’s shown her stroke play to let everyone know she can do much more than swing a racket. Obviously, her idol and 14-time Roland Garros champion is in awe after witnessing Eala’s special skills!
Nadal has, time and again, reiterated how much he loves “the game of golf in general.” Remember, after saying goodbye to a 20-year-long career, he competed at the FGB Hexagonal Q-Romia Circuit at Club de Golf Son Servera? The former king of clay managed to finish 8th at the event where there were close to 80 participants. Nadal got 76 strokes (four above par) which is impressive for a non-pro. Moreover, he’s also competed in the Balearic Mid-Amateur Golf Championship three times already in the last four years!
In a recent IG video, shared by WTA’s official account on April 29, Eala – who graduated from Nadal’s tennis academy in Mallorca – was seen trying her hands at golf. In fact, the entire crew was there to film her. The producer asked, “Do you play golf?” To this, the 2025 Miami Open semifinalist revealed, “I have played one time. Driving range. With my brother.” Before showing her club-swinging skills, she raved about her abilities saying, “Professional at work guys.”
The team then reached the spot where Eala grabbed the club. There were no balls available, however. But as Eala wrote in the comments, “No ball, no problem🏌️♀️,” she simply took the club and swung it in style as if she were hitting an actual ball. The crew’s reaction indicated she did a good job. “Ah, that’s not bad at all!”
Interestingly, she then urged renowned professional golfer Nelly Korda to take notice of her skills, “Nelly Korda, please.” She geared up to swing the club once again, remarking, “Okay, watch this, watch this. Was that good?” The Filipino was seen giving a fist pump while feeling proud of her golf-swinging talent.
A candid moment occurred in the end as the crew informed her again, “Sorry, we don’t have any balls here.” Eala simply replied, “It’s alright. You can edit them in.” Surprisingly, her tennis idol and passionate golfer Nadal didn’t take long to spot this clip. Being in awe of Eala’s unseen talent, the ex-ATP icon simply dropped a “👀” emoji in the comments. But wait, there’s more to this! Seems like Eala did manage to attract Korda’s attention too! Really? Well, yes.
It wasn’t just the tennis GOAT who was left speechless with Alexandra Eala’s golf skills. LPGA’s 14-time winner and World No.1 golfer Nelly Korda also made a cameo in the comments section. How come?
Apparently, Eala’s apparel brand and $120 billion Nike tagged Korda to have a look at the Filipino’s abilities. Nike’s official account wrote, “Not too shabby, what do you think @nellykorda?” And guess what?
Nelly actually reached out to Eala in the comments section, while giving a pro golf tip as well. Tagging the 19-year-old, the 26-year-old legend wrote, “Looks good!” while cheekily adding, “But we need to work on your tempo and balance @alex.eala 🤪” What else can you wish for? Simply amazing, isn’t it?
Looks like Eala’s honing her golf skills well right now. But what about the tennis action going forward this season? Well, she will soon appear on the court once again. Her Madrid Open journey ended sooner than expected last week. Five-time slam queen and former World No.1 Iga Swiatek took her revenge on the Filipino and ousted her in R64 with a score line of 4-6, 6-4, 6-2. For the uninitiated, in their maiden WTA meeting, at the Miami Open, Eala had edged out the Pole, in the QF, with a score line of 6-2, 7-5.
Speaking of Eala’s next tournament, it will be the Italian Open. After that, the teenage sensation will finally accomplish her dream of making a slam debut. She’s confirmed to appear at the 2025 French Open. Thanks to breaking into the top 100 (currently No.72), the entry list features her name among other participants.
