Tennis superstar Rafael Nadal congratulated Filipino junior sensation Alex Eala for winning her first women’s professional title over the weekend.
The 20-time Grand Slam singles champion posted a picture of the 15-year-old rising star on his Instagram account, applauding her title feat at the International Tennis Federation (ITF) W15 Manacor event where she edged 28-year-old Spaniard Yvonne Cavalle-Reimers, 5-7, 6-1, 6-2.
“Congratulations @alex.eala for this important moment in your career. We are all very happy for you! Keep up the good work and attitude. #vamos,” Nadal wrote.
Eala has been a scholar at the Rafa Nadal Academy in Mallorca, Spain.
The academy’s Instagram account also posted a similar photo of Eala to congratulate her achievement, which drew more messages from other players like French pro tennis player Caro Garcia.
Eala once hit with Garcia during training at the academy.
“A day she will never forget!! We are so proud of you, @alex.eala! Mabuhay! Laban! Vamos!” the academy wrote.