A scholar at the Rafa Nadal Academy, Miko Eala has already proven himself in the juniors division, prepares for next big chapter of his life
Last week, Filipino teen tennis sensation Miko Eala got the send-off of a lifetime: playing a friendly match with world No. 2 Rafael Nadal. The photos and videos went viral over the Internet with praise around the world over the young tennis player’s form.
“My inspiration in tennis is Rafa Nadal for sure. I admire his character and hope to someday be as great as him,” says Miko in an interview with Manila Bulletin Lifestyle. “It felt surreal to be able to play with one of the people I have always looked up to ever since I was a kid.”
The 17-year-old tennis prospect recently graduated from the Rafa Nadal Academy. There he has trained and studied as a scholar for the past two years. Before he goes off to play collegiate tennis for the NCAA Division I for Penn State University in the fall, Miko has decided to remain at the academy over the summer.
And who could blame him for wanting to stay a bit longer? There he gets the warm Mediterranean breeze along the Baleric Islands as he plays with living legends like Nadal and former Grand Slam doubles champion Caroline Garcia.
The prestigious tennis academy is rigorous in both its physical tennis training, as well as its academic discipline. His time there and around the world playing in various juniors’ tournaments has given Miko the confidence to deal with nerves on the court.
“I don’t get as nervous now as I used to before,” says the young tennis star. “When I’m on the court, I try to block out everything outside of the court and focus on playing my best tennis.”
As cool, calm, and collected as he is on the court, he still finds himself a bit nervous and apprehensive about changes in his life off the court.
“I’m excited to start a new chapter of my life, where I can meet new people and explore the many opportunities that will be presented to me in college,” Miko shares. “But at the same time, I do not want to leave everything I have now behind.”
At his young age, it can be hard to live in a foreign country, but luckily he is not without family there. His 14-year-old sister, Australian Open junior doubles champion Alex Eala, also trains as a scholar at the academy.
Both Miko and Alex cite their grandfather, Lolo Bob, as their major inspiration and influence, who first introduced them to tennis. His unfortunate passing last year occurred when both were at the academy. As Miko pushes forward in his education and tennis career, he commits himself to training for and playing the game his Lolo Bob loved.