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Eala talks 'intimidating' Nadal, fan frenzy in breakthrough year

Rising tennis star Alexandra Eala is reflecting on her rapid ascent to global prominence, highlighted by a breakthrough season that included a career-best run to the round of 16 at Wimbledon and a historic WTA singles title win in Washington, D.C. after victories over Naomi Osaka and Jessica Pegula.

Now ranked 17th in the world, the Filipino athlete has become a major draw, drawing massive crowds of supporters at events like the Australian Open. Eala is currently competing in Hong Kong, where she is drawing inspiration from veteran Venus Williams and her training background at the academy founded by Rafael Nadal.

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