Filipino prodigy learns to save the ball like Nadal

After reaching the semi -finals of Miami expanding by defeating the number two seniors Iga Swiatek on March 26, Alexandra Aala said she was experiencing surreal feeling because two years ago, Swiatek itself and legend Rafael Nadal presented her diploma at Nadal Academy in Manacor.

That's , "Aala said in the interview after the match. "I am very fortunate to compete with Swiatek on this field. She is the champion, the world's leading player, it's hard to believe that I defeated her".

AALA enrolled Nadal's Academy in 2018 and graduated in 2023. In the process, she was crowned in the US to expand children 2020 and are considered to be the top prospect of the Academy. Learning from Nadal and the coaches at the Academy helped Eala advance this season.

"The coach always motivates me to run as much as possible, try to win all the ball and take advantage of each opportunity ," Eala talked about my play. "Confronting the Grand Slam champion five times like Swiatek, you will not have many opportunities to do that. So, you have to cut each score ".

Before lowering Swiatek, Eala shocked with the type of Australian champion expansion Madison Keys in the third round. Studying in the spirit of Nadal's fighting, but Eala built a play style that suits the condition of an Asian player. She liked to finish quickly with a strong shadow, and used the speed and flexibility to save the difficult balls. Her play style makes viewers think of the Grand Slam Li Na champion. "Each person has different advantages and disadvantages. It is better to find his own path. I have to improve many things to compete at the highest level ".

ranked 140 WTA, EAA is one of three cases of special ticketing to the semi -finals in the Miami history expanded. Next week, she will become the first Filipino in the top 100 transcripts. Eala can create more historic milestones if beating Jessica Pegula in the upcoming semi -final.