Philippines' Alex Eala Named as TIME 100 Next 2026 List

PHOTO: Laureus Sport IG | High praise from Laureus Award winner Rafael Nadal, as Alex Eala is named in the TIME 100 Next 2026 List.

NEW YORK, USA — Filipina tennis star Alexandra Eala is named in the TIME 100 Next 2026 List, featuring tennis icon Rafa Nadal in the interview about the WTA top 18 player.

In it's report, New York-based TIME Magazine said Nadal described Eala as a wonderful person—warm, approachable, and humble.

"It isn’t easy to handle becoming a true phenomenon at such a young age, and she deserves a lot of credit for keeping her feet on the ground. Now, all that remains is to keep enjoying watching her progress," Nadal, a two-time Olympic gold medalist in tennis, said.

He added that Eala was the first player he shared a tennis court with after his retirement.

"One day, she asked whether I felt like hitting with her for a while. For the first time in many months, I picked up a racket and played again."

'I’ve been lucky enough to know Alex since she began her journey at Rafa Nadal Academy, and have closely followed her tremendous career. At just 19, Alex beat three Grand Slam champion players at the 2025 Miami Open."

Alex Eala attended the Rafa Nadal Academy in Mallorca, Spain, on a full scholarship in 2018.

At the 2025 Miami Open, Eala at 19 played as wild card and only ranked No. 140 in the world. She made history by defeating three consecutive Grand Slam champions en route to the semifinals. Eala defeated Jeļena Ostapenko, Madison Keys and IGA Swiatek.

After winning as champion at the WTA 500 tournament in Washington in August 2025, Nadal said that Eala still has plenty of room to grow.

"One of her greatest strengths is precisely her ability to listen, learn, and keep improving."

After the WTA Tour in Washington, Eala became the first player from the Philippines to break into the world’s top 20.