"Rafael Nadal doesn't need to directly talk to you to give you advice, you can learn just by observing" - US Open 2022 Juniors champion Alexandra Eala
A good observer can learn a lot from Rafael Nadal without the legendary player even having to say anything, believes Alexandra Eala, who is a scholar at the Rafa Nadal Academy.
The 17-year-old is gearing up to complete her high school graduation this year. A few months ago, she became the first-ever player from the Philippines to lift a Grand Slam title when she won the 2022 US Open Girls' Singles championship. Eala has also won a couple of Majors in the junior doubles category — the 2020 Australian Open and the 2021 French Open.
During her stay at the Rafa Nadal Academy, the youngster got to spend a lot of time with the 22-time Grand Slam champion and learn from him. Speaking to the news portal Philstar recently, Eala stated that the 36-year-old advised everyone to always work with people they are comfortable with.
"Well, he said multiple times to surround yourself with good people, and being on the tour and traveling so much since I was at such a young age, I believe that that's really an important guideline, I would say. To be surrounded by good people and to learn good habits," Eala said.
She added that the World No. 6, known for his impeccable on and off-court behavior, did not have to speak at times and students would just observe him to improve themselves.
"He doesn't need to directly talk to you to give you advice. It's just so many times, there's so many things that you can learn just by observing. Just by observing how he is on and off the court, how he's humble, his work ethic, and his attention to detail."
Speaking about her own future, Eala declared that she wanted to win Majors and Olympic medals and become the World No. 1.
"For my long-term goals, to win a Grand Slam, join the Olympics, maybe medal, or you know, be World No. 1. Just a couple. There's a lot of things that I want to do, hopefully," she added.
Rafael Nadal included in Indian Wells entry list along with Novak Djokovic
During his second-round loss at the 2023 Australian Open, Rafael Nadal suffered an iliopsoas muscle tear in his left leg. The injury has forced him to miss action for up to two months. It is unlikely that the Spaniard will be able to return before the Miami Open, scheduled to start on March 22.
However, the entry list for the Indian Wells Masters includes his name, as well as Novak Djokovic's. The Serb is likely to miss out on the tournament due to his unvaccinated status against COVID-19. Emergency restrictions in the US will end on May 11, while the Indian Wells tournament will be played from March 8-19.