Dubai: Filipion tennis sensation Alexandra Eala stumbled at the last hurdle in the Eastbourne Open final which was her first WTA final.
The loss left her heartbroken as she fought tears while accepting the runners-up trophy. “It’s my first WTA final. It’s a big deal for me and for my country because it’s historic. It’s the first time any Filipina has done anything like this,” said the 20-year-old. “I guess that’s also why I’m so emotional.”
But she found support from her mentor Rafael Nadal and doubles partner Coco Gauff who put their weight behind the Filipino star ahead of Wimbledon.
“The first final of many finals, @AlexEala05!” Nadal wrote.
Eala joined the Nadal tennis academy in Mallorca in 2018 and graduated in 2023.
Recent French Open champion Coco Gauff too expressed her support on social media. “Congratulations,” alongside a heart emoji.
At Wimbledon, Eala faces a challenging opening-round match against the defending champion Barbora Krejcikova on July 1.
