Rafael Nadal reveals he had one condition to get back on tennis court after months and hit with Alexandra Eala

Rafael Nadal recently hit the practice courts with Alexandra Eala. Eala had a breakthrough 2025 season, amassing a runner-up finish in Eastbourne and a semifinal apperance in Miami.

While Nadal stepped away from professional tennis after the 2024 Davis Cup, Eala is just beginning her journey. She is a graduate of the Rafa Nadal Academy and currently among the top 50 players in the world.

Nadal was delighted to hit the practice courts after a lengthy spell on the sidelines. He spoke about the single condition that convinced him to return for a session with the rising Filipino star.

"I played 45 minutes with Eala, they asked me to play and I was happy to do it. If I don’t have to run, that’s fine. Through the academy, I’m still involved, and I watch whatever I feel like. I don’t follow the day-to-day like before," Rafael Nadal said during an interview with Movistar+

Nadal is one of the most successful players in men's tennis history. He captured 22 Grand Slam titles and two Olympic gold medals during his glittering career. The former World No. 1 shared a message for Eala and looked forward to more sessions in the future.

"One year later, it felt great to be back on a tennis court. It was great to practice with you, Alex. Next time, I will be stronger," Rafael Nadal said via Instagram.

The Spaniard also revealed a bit about his life post retirement and said he felt 'bad' that his career had come to an end.

"I gained peace, in the sense that, in a way, you don’t feel that daily responsibility to perform. Sometimes performing under unsuitable conditions wears you down as a person, and you end up not being as happy as someone like me should be. The bad thing is, in the end, a stage that was exceptionally beautiful and exciting for me has ended," Rafael Nadal said

Nadal is known for his resilient all-around game and fighting spirit on the court. He captured a record 14 French Open titles during his career, one of the most impressive achievements by any player in the history of the sport.

"I think just his work ethic is something I admire a lot" - Alexandra Eala on her favorite quality of Rafael Nadal

Eala at the Prudential Hong Kong Tennis Open - Day 4 - Source: Getty

Alexandra Eala started training at the Rafa Nadal Academy when she was just 13 years old. The academy has helped her grow as a tennis player and a person in the last few years.

Eala stunned the women's locker room by reaching the semifinals of the 2025 Miami Open, coming through via the qualifiers. She defeated Iga Swiatek and Madison Keys at the WTA 1000 event, but eventually fell to Jessica Pegula.

The 20-year-old revealed her favourite quality of Rafael Nadal's and said that not many could replicate his ability to "suffer" on the ATP tour.

"From Rafa specifically, there’s a lot to learn. I think just his work ethic is something I admire a lot. His ability to suffer is something that Rafa has got kind of unmatched," Alexandra Eala said via tennishead.

"There are some aspects of tennis and being a professional athlete that aren’t as enjoyable as others. So being able to stick through it and want to do it, you know, want to go through it is something that he [Nadal] embodies very well," she added.

Alexandra Eala has received guidance from Joan Bosch, who happens to be a coach from the Rafa Nadal Academy. The youngster ended her season with a title-winning run in Guadalajara (WTA 125) and a second round exit in the Hong Kong Open.