Alex Eala Reflects on Coaching with Toni Nadal Ahead of Clay Court Season Alexandra Eala returned to the Rafa Nadal Academy in Mallorca to prepare for the clay-court season, marking her first tournament at the Linz Open. The 20-year-old Filipina, who recently competed in the Miami Open, spent time training on indoor clay courts at the academy, with legendary coach Toni Nadal present to oversee her progress. Eala’s return to the facility, which has been a cornerstone of her development, coincided with her focus on adapting to the unique demands of clay court play. During her time at the academy, Eala emphasized the importance of refining her movement and ball-feel techniques, which she believes have improved significantly. “I feel like I’m moving better than I did last year,” she said, expressing satisfaction with her physical readiness for the clay season. Eala acknowledged the limited time the WTA Tour provides for transitioning between hard and clay courts, noting that her preparation included a brief break after Miami before resuming training. “I didn’t have much time, but we worked a lot on feeling the ball and moving well,” she explained. Eala’s collaboration with Toni Nadal, the long-time coach of her uncle Rafael Nadal, has been a pivotal aspect of her recent training. She described the experience as transformative, highlighting Toni’s expertise and the positive impact he has had on her career. “It’s so great to have Toni as part of the team,” she said. “If you had told me years ago that I’d be working with him, my mind would have been blown. He has incredible knowledge and really helps my team.” Eala’s admiration for Toni’s coaching philosophy underscores the value of his mentorship, which she believes has elevated her game.#alexandra_eala #jelena_ostapenko #rafa_nadal_academy #linz_open #toni_nadal
Alex Eala's Clay-Court Challenge: Can Her Hard-Court Momentum Translate to Success on Red? Alex Eala’s recent success on hard courts has positioned her as a rising star in women’s tennis, but the transition to clay presents a significant test for the Filipino player. After a strong 2025 season that included a quarterfinal run at the Dubai Tennis Championships and consecutive Round of 16 appearances at the BNP Paribas Open and Miami Open, Eala climbed to a career-high ranking of No. 29 in the WTA. However, her momentum has since waned, with her Miami semifinal points from the previous year slipping away and her ranking dropping to No. 45. This decline, while notable, does not signal a reversal of her trajectory but rather a natural correction as she navigates the challenges of the clay-court season. The shift to clay has proven particularly difficult for Eala. Last season, her performance on the red surface was marked by early exits and a stark contrast to her hard-court success. In the WTA 125 event in Oeiras, she fell in the round of 16, followed by quick exits at the Madrid Open and Italian Open. Her Grand Slam debut at the French Open ended in a first-round loss to Emiliana Arango, adding to a 2-4 win-loss record on clay in 2025. These results highlight the unique challenges of adapting to clay, a surface where her game has yet to fully flourish. Despite these struggles, Eala’s pedigree and dedication offer reasons for optimism. The 21-year-old has returned to the Rafa Nadal Academy in Spain, a training ground that has shaped the careers of some of the sport’s greatest clay specialists. Under Nadal’s mentorship, Eala is refining her technical and mental approach to the surface, building on the foundation that has already propelled her to international prominence.#alex_eala #rafa_nadal_academy #linz_open #mutua_madrid_open #italian_open
Martin Landaluce details how Rafael Nadal has influenced his career after surprise run in Miami Martin Landaluce has made headlines on the ATP Tour by reaching the Miami Open quarter-finals, a feat that marks his first appearance in the last eight of a Masters 1000 event. The world number 151, who qualified for the tournament, defeated Sebastian Korda in a three-set match on Tuesday, securing his place in the quarter-finals. Landaluce, who has advanced further than Carlos Alcaraz in Miami, is one of the lowest-ranked players in tennis history to reach this stage. After his victory, Landaluce spoke about his experiences training at the Rafa Nadal Academy in Mallorca. The 19-year-old, from Madrid, Spain, revealed how his time at the academy, where he first trained with Nadal at age 14, has shaped his career. “The first time I hit with Rafa, I was 14,” he said in an interview with Steve Weissman on the Tennis Channel. “I did a two-hour practice, and then they told me I would train with Rafa on clay. It was an emotional moment. I was nervous at first, but he was very nice and helped me improve.” Landaluce emphasized the impact of his time at the academy, particularly in refining his technique. “I practiced with him on grass as well, and he gave me tips to improve,” he said. “The values at the academy and training with him and the other players there have been incredibly valuable.” He also mentioned occasional communication with Nadal, including a conversation during the Next Gen tournament in Jeddah, where Nadal offered advice that Landaluce has since implemented. Landaluce’s Miami run has been impressive, with victories over top-ranked players such as Karen Khachanov and Marco Giron.#miami_open #jiri_lehecka #martin_landaluce #rafa_nadal_academy #rafael_nadal
Martin Landaluce's profile: Age, parents, nationality, career and more about the tennis player Martin Landaluce has emerged as one of Spain’s most promising young talents, transitioning from a standout junior career to the professional ATP Tour and quickly establishing himself as a rising star. His journey reflects the path of modern tennis players aiming to break through at the highest level, with his early experiences against top-level competition highlighting his potential. Landaluce’s development includes appearances in ATP main draws, junior Grand Slam success, and strong results on the Challenger Tour, all of which underscore his progression from a top junior prospect to a professional contender. Born on January 8, 2006, Landaluce is 20 years old and hails from Madrid, Spain. He turned professional in his late teens, gaining valuable experience by competing against established players on both the ATP Tour and Challenger circuit. His physical attributes, including a height of 6 feet 4 inches (1.93 meters), give him a distinct advantage on the court. His tall stature contributes to a higher contact point on his serve, enabling him to generate power and angles that challenge opponents. Combined with his right-handed style and two-handed backhand, his physical profile aligns with the demands of modern tennis. Landaluce’s family has played a significant role in his development. He was born to Alejandro Landaluce and Elena Lacambra, with two siblings. Growing up in Madrid, he benefited from a supportive environment that nurtured his early tennis career. A key factor in his growth was training at the Rafa Nadal Academy, where he refined his technical and mental skills. His family’s involvement helped him navigate the transition from junior competitions to the professional circuit.#miami_open #martin_landaluce #rafa_nadal_academy #alejandro_landaluce #elena_lacambra
Martin Landaluce’s Miami breakthrough: ‘Everything’s coming together this week and I hope it stays that way’ Martin Landaluce is making history with his first ATP Masters 1000 quarter-final appearance at the age of 20, marking a career-defining week in Miami. The Spaniard has overcome significant challenges, including a 0-4 record against Top-50 players before the tournament, to reach the final eight. His journey began with a grueling qualifying run, followed by three consecutive victories against elite opponents, showcasing his resilience and adaptability. Landaluce’s path to the quarter-finals included a dramatic comeback against Sebastian Korda, a player who had recently defeated Carlos Alcaraz. The match was a test of mental and physical endurance, as Landaluce faced a 2-6 first-set deficit and saved a match point in a tense second-set tie-break. He eventually prevailed 2-6, 7-6(6), 6-4, demonstrating composure under pressure. “The matches are so tough that thinking long term would be a mistake,” he said. “Right now I’m focused on the quarters and trying to make tomorrow a good match.” The victory over Korda was part of a broader trend of consistent performance. Landaluce had already defeated Luciano Darderi, Karen Khachanov, and Korda, each of whom represented a significant challenge. His ability to maintain focus and execute under pressure has been key to his success. “I had a tricky moment at 5-4, serving for the match,” he admitted. “I don’t think I did anything wrong, but the opponent played very well. At such a high level, even a small drop in performance can complicate things.” Landaluce’s breakthrough is even more remarkable given his ranking. Starting the tournament at No.#miami #carlos_alcaraz #sebastian_korda #martin_landaluce #rafa_nadal_academy
Miami QF Preview: Can #NextGenATP Martin Landaluce Extend Dream Run Against Jiri Lehecka Martin Landaluce and Jiri Lehecka will face off in the first quarter-final of the Miami Open presented by Itau on Wednesday. The match, scheduled for 3:00 p.m. EDT, marks the first meeting between the two players. Landaluce, a 20-year-old Spaniard ranked 151st in the PIF ATP Rankings, is the lowest-ranked Miami quarter-finalist since 1994. His run to the tournament’s fourth round has been fueled by resilience, including a dramatic save of a match point against Sebastian Korda in his previous match. Landaluce’s journey to the quarter-finals is notable. Entering the event without a tour-level win in 2026, he has secured six consecutive victories, including qualifying matches. His breakthrough week includes wins over Top 20 opponents Luciano Darderi and Karen Khachanov, doubling his previous tally of two tour-level wins. Now ranked 103rd in the PIF ATP Live Rankings, a semi-final victory could propel him as high as No. 69. Lehecka, the 21st seed, presents a formidable challenge. The Czech has reached his third Masters 1000 quarter-final after defeating World No. 7 Taylor Fritz in a surprising upset. A win would elevate his career-high ranking to No. 16 in the PIF ATP Live Rankings. Lehecka’s aggressive playing style and recent form make him a dangerous opponent for Landaluce, who will need to maintain his composure and capitalize on his trademark resilience. The match is expected to be a high-octane clash at Hard Rock Stadium, with both players aiming to dictate play. Landaluce, a product of the Rafa Nadal Academy, has already made a name for himself with his breakthrough performance.#miami_open_presented_by_itau #hard_rock_stadium #jiri_lehecka #martin_landaluce #rafa_nadal_academy
Martín Landaluce, el único español 'vivo' en Miami. / ATP Tour Barcelona24 MAR 2026 12:59 Miami está siendo el torneo de las sorpresas. La más llamativa fue la derrota de Carlos Alcaraz en tercera ronda, superado por un excelente Sebastian Korda y lastrado por su físico. No solo ha caído el número uno, sino prácticamente todos los miembros del 'top ten', excepto Sinner, Zverev y Fritz. En esta semana tan alocada, otro español ha aprovechado la oportunidad. Ese es Martín Landaluce. Madrileño, 20 años y en la posición 151 del ranking. El joven tenista ha alcanzado su mejor resultado en un Masters 1000, como son los octavos de final, y sueña con aprovechar una oportunidad de oro para avanzar rondas y ganar puntos. Su última victoria ante un coloso como Karen Khachanov lo sitúa en el radar de jugadores a tener en cuenta. Landaluce es un gran compañero de Rafa Jódar, ya que ambos son de la misma ciudad y Club de Tenis. Dos tenistas que han tenido una participación de mérito en las condiciones de Florida, que parece que les van como anillo al dedo. Y es que esa es una de las características de la nueva generación: saben jugar y mucho sobre pista dura. "Nos conocemos desde los ocho años porque él también es del Chamartín. Hemos jugado toda la vida. Nuestro último partido antes de Jeddah fue con 15. Tuvimos seis años en los que competimos muchísimo en finales. Rafa me ganó varias veces. Podemos compartir torneos y revivir esa rivalidad que hubo en su día", comentó en una entrevista a 'MARCA'. El madrileño ha pasado por encima de dos jugadores que forman parte del 'top 20' del ranking ATP. Como hemos dicho antes, uno es Karen Khachanov, mientras que el otro es el italoargentino Luciano Darderi.#carlos_alcaraz #sebastian_korda #martn_landaluce #rafa_jdar #rafa_nadal_academy
