Eala emphasizes the importance of Nadal and his academy in her progression

Alexandra Eala continues to confirm that she is now part of the elite of women's tennis. The Filipino player defeated Naomi Osaka to qualify for the final of the WTA 500 in Washington, and regardless of what happens against Jessica Pegula, she will leave the tournament ranked among the top 25 players in the world.

The 21-year-old player, who trained during much of her development at the Rafa Nadal Academy, spoke to Tennis Channel after her victory to analyze the significance of beating a role model like Osaka, explain how her tennis has evolved over the past few years, and reveal some of the people who have been crucial to her growth.

SHE’S BACK 🤗🇵🇭

Alex Eala joins us at our desk once again after a superb win over Naomi Osaka 👏#MubadalaDCOpen pic.twitter.com/gnng0aNA1E

— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) August 1, 2026

Statements from Alexandra Eala after qualifying for the final of the WTA 500 in Washington

The victory over Naomi Osaka and confidence in her game

The Filipino player did not hide the pride she felt after defeating a player she has admired since childhood and highlighted the level she was able to deliver to overcome one of the great champions of the last decade. Additionally, she explained her philosophy when facing one of the aspects that is working best in her tennis: the return.

"I am very proud of my performance. I think I played really well, I had a great mindset and managed to stay focused until the end."

"Naomi has an incredible presence and a lot of power; I can assure you of that. I remember watching her finals at the Australian Open and also at the US Open, so it was a fantastic experience to share the court with her. I am very happy to have been able to show this level against an opponent like her."

Regarding her return capabilities, one of the weapons that allowed her to break Osaka's serve four times, she explained that she tries to focus solely on what depends on her.

"It depends a lot on the moment because there are many factors when returning. The situation in the match changes constantly and you never know exactly what serve is going to come. I try to be prepared for any scenario and focus only on what I can control. Everything that depends on me, I try to do at a hundred percent."

The influence of the Rafa Nadal Academy and the role of Johan Bosch

Eala also recalled the importance of her training in Mallorca, where she entered at just 12 years old. The player finds it impossible to summarize in one aspect everything she learned during that time.

"It’s very difficult to point out just one thing because I spent so many years there and they were a very important part of my training. I built wonderful relationships and worked with coaches and professionals with enormous experience, in addition to learning directly from Rafa."

"I entered there practically as a child, and now I’m 21 years old. During all this time, I have improved tactically, physically, and technically. Many aspects have evolved."

The number one Filipino player also dedicated a few words to Johan Bosch, the coach with whom she has built a close relationship both on and off the court.

"Johan is the best. I trust him a lot, both for my tennis, and even for many things in life. I tell him practically everything."

"That makes me never feel alone on the court. The same goes for the rest of my team. We all share the same dedication and desire to keep improving."

Her evolution before facing Pegula again and the importance of staying grounded

The final in Washington will mean another match against Jessica Pegula, whom she already put on the ropes in the semifinals of Miami a year and a half ago. Eala believes she is now a much more complete player.

"If I compare the player I was then to the one I am now, I think I am a much more complete tennis player. I have improved physically and also in several shots."

"Probably the forehand has evolved the most. The serve has also improved quite a bit, although I think all aspects of my game have grown at the same pace. In any case, all players are constantly evolving, and each match is different."

Finally, she explained why she believes that success has not made her lose perspective, insisting that she still feels a huge margin for growth.

"I still have a lot of motivation to become a better player and also a better person. I’m only 21; I’m not the queen of the world."

"Tennis is a sport that always keeps you grounded. I also look at all the progress I’ve made to get here. My family keeps me grounded, and so does my team. Every mistake I make on the court reminds me that I need to keep working. Even when I wake up in the morning and have a bad day, that also helps me keep perspective. There are so many things that keep me humble, and all those people are here with me."

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Eala recalca la importancia de Nadal y su academia en su progresión