The Untold Story of Iga Świątek & Alex Eala’s Graduation from Rafa Nadal’s Academy—A Future Written in the Stars?

In the world of tennis, few academies hold as much prestige as the Rafa Nadal Academy (RNA) in Mallorca, Spain. Established by the legendary Rafael Nadal, this elite training center has produced some of the most promising talents in the sport. Among them are two rising stars who have made waves in recent years—Iga Świątek and Alex Eala.

Both players, despite representing different countries and taking separate career paths, share a special connection: they graduated from the Rafa Nadal Academy before launching their professional careers. Let’s take a look back at that memorable moment and how it shaped their journeys.

For young tennis players, earning a place at the RNA is a privilege. It’s more than just a training ground—it’s an institution that instills the values of discipline, mental toughness, and relentless improvement, traits that Nadal himself embodies.

In their time at the academy, Świątek and Eala honed their skills under top-tier coaching while embracing the “Nadal mindset”—a never-give-up attitude that has become their signature on the court.

While Świątek was already making a name for herself on the WTA circuit, Eala was still in the early stages of her rise. Yet, their shared graduation from the RNA became a moment of celebration, marking the beginning of two incredible journeys.

After her time at the Rafa Nadal Academy, Świątek skyrocketed to the top of women’s tennis. She made history by winning her first Grand Slam title at the French Open in 2020, stunning the world with her dominance on clay.

Since then, she has become a multiple-time Grand Slam champion and the World No. 1, proving that her foundation at Nadal’s academy played a role in shaping the champion she is today.

On the other hand, Alex Eala is steadily carving her own path in professional tennis. The Filipina sensation has already won junior Grand Slam titles and continues to rise through the ranks.

Her connection to Nadal’s academy remains strong, and she often speaks about how the experience shaped her game and mentality. With her powerful baseline game and fearless approach, she is one to watch for the future.

Iga Świątek and Alex Eala may be at different stages in their careers, but their shared graduation from the Rafa Nadal Academy is a testament to the institution’s role in developing world-class athletes.

As they continue to make waves in the tennis world, this throwback serves as a reminder that champions aren’t just born—they are made, and sometimes, they are made under the same roof.