Alexandra Eala recently returned to the Rafa Nadal Academy ahead of the clay-court season.
The Filipina, who most recently competed in Miami, returned to the academy to put together for her first occasion at the Linz Open.
Eala was pictured coaching on the indoor clay courts at the establishment, with legendary tennis coach Toni Nadal watching on.
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Toni Nadal, who was current in Eala’s teaching field throughout her gorgeous run at the 2025 Miami Open, was the long-time coach of his nephew, Rafael Nadal.
Having now travelled to Austria for the Linz Open, Eala has mirrored on her time working with Toni Nadal, whereas additionally discussing what she labored on throughout her time at the esteemed academy.
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While in dialog with journalist and former Filipina tennis participant Dyan Castillejo, Eala mentioned some of her coaching focuses throughout the camp in Mallorca.
“I didn’t have much time, I don’t think the Tour really gives you much time to prepare between hard and clay,” stated Eala, who will play Austria’s Julia Grabher in the Linz Open first spherical.
“I did have a couple of days, maybe a week between when I ended Miami, taking a break, going back on court… but I think we worked a lot on feeling the ball, moving well, being able to move well.
“I feel like I’m moving better than I did last year so yeah, I’m happy about that.”
Eala went on to talk about the affect of Toni Nadal, noting his constructive affect on her profession.
“It’s so great and we’re so blessed to have Toni as part of the team,” the 20-year-old added. “I think if you had told me that years ago, my mind would have been blown.
“But it’s nice because he really has that knowledge, obviously! And he’s really able to help my team and yeah, just a great experience overall.”
Eala made a sensible alternative by practising at the Rafa Nadal Academy – not solely was she afforded the alternative to work with Toni Nadal, she additionally practised on indoor clay courts, that are the identical situations getting used at the Linz Open.
Eala will start her Linz Open marketing campaign on Tuesday at 5pm GMT. For these viewing in the Philippines, you’ll be in a position to watch the match towards Julia Grabher from 1 am.
Alex Eala previews her first match in Linz
While Eala has by no means performed towards Julia Grabher on the WTA Tour, she has stepped onto court alongside the Austrian.
“I’ve practised with her a couple times before,” the Filipina defined. “She’s a very strong player, very fit.
“So I’m expecting a good battle, I’m ready. It’s my first match on clay so I’m super excited.”
If Eala defeats Grabher on Tuesday, she’s going to play 2017 French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko in the Linz Open second spherical.
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Eala has received each of her earlier two matches towards Ostapenko: at the 2025 Miami Open and 2025 Eastbourne Open.
However, Ostapenko’s means on clay mustn’t be underestimated, as demonstrated by her barnstorming title-winning run at the 2025 Stuttgart Open – throughout which she defeated Iga Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka.
