TIME Named Alex Eala Its Only Tennis Player — Rafael Nadal Explained Why

TIME just named Alex Eala to the TIME100 Next 2026 list — and she is the only tennis player selected this year. The 21-year-old Filipina was placed in the Innovators category alongside some of the world’s most influential rising stars. Her profile was written by 22-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal, who has watched Eala’s development closely through the Rafa Nadal Academy. Nadal praised Eala’s ability to listen, learn, improve and stay grounded as her career has accelerated. He also revealed that Eala was the first player he shared a tennis court with after retiring — a striking detail that shows how closely he has followed her journey. In this video, we break down: Why TIME selected Alex Eala for TIME100 Next 2026 Why she was the only tennis player included What Rafael Nadal said about her rise The personal story Nadal revealed about hitting with Eala after retirement Why TIME placed her in the Innovators category What this recognition says about Eala’s growing influence beyond the WTA Tour Eala is already the highest-ranked Filipino tennis player in WTA history and has continued turning breakthrough results into global recognition. Subscribe to The Tennis Brief for the latest Alex Eala, WTA and women’s tennis stories. #alexeala #rafaelnadal #time100 Alex Eala Alex Eala TIME Alex Eala TIME100 Next Alex Eala TIME100 Next 2026 Alex Eala Time Magazine Alex Eala Rafael Nadal Rafael Nadal Alex Eala Rafael Nadal praises Alex Eala Alex Eala only tennis player Alex Eala only tennis player TIME Alex Eala TIME Innovators Alex Eala TIME100 Alexandra Eala Alexandra Eala TIME100 Next Alex Eala latest news Alex Eala latest update Alex Eala 2026 Alex Eala Nadal Academy Rafa Nadal Academy Alex Eala Alex Eala influential rising star Alex Eala global recognition Alex Eala WTA Alex Eala world number 18 TIME100 Next 2026 TIME most influential rising stars Rafael Nadal tribute Alex Eala Filipino tennis Philippines tennis women's tennis news WTA news The Tennis Brief