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Nadal & Federer’s Chosen Ones? Joao Fonseca & Alexandra Eala Electrify Miami Open 2025

As the Miami Open 2025 unfolds, both Alexandra Eala and Joao Fonseca have demonstrated exceptional skill and determination, promising an exciting future for the sport, under sponsor of Rafa Nadal and Roger Federer.

Por: Karla Sofía Espinoza March 27, 2025

Alex Eala is a shining star in the world of tennis, having honed her skills at the Rafa Nadal Academy in Manacor, Mallorca / Photo Miami Open 2025

The Miami Open 2025 at the Hard Rock Stadium has served as the stage for a tennis that promises an exciting future with two rising stars sponsored by Rafa Nadal and Roger Federer: Alexandra Eala and Joao Fonseca.

She is still in contention for the trophy in Miami while the brazilian fought valiantly in the round of 16. In an exciting semifinal matchup on March 27th, Eala from the Philippines prepares to face No. 4 seed Jessica Pegula of the United States, while Fonseca reflects on his impressive journey thus far.

At just 19 years old, Eala is a shining star in the world of tennis, having honed her skills at the prestigious Rafa Nadal Academy in Manacor, Mallorca. Joining the academy at the tender age of 13, she turned professional in 2020 and recently achieved a remarkable milestone by securing the 134th position in the WTA rankings, the highest ever for a Filipina.

Her family legacy in sports further fuels her ambitions; her mother, Rosemarie “Rizza” Maniego-Eala, was an accomplished swimmer who earned a bronze medal in the 1985 Southeast Asian Games, while her aunt, Noli Eala, serves as president of the Philippine Sports Commission.

Eala’s journey at the Miami Open has captivated audiences, as she has triumphed over formidable opponents, including reigning Australian Open champion Madison Keys, Paula Badosa, and Iga Swiatek.

Prior to her success at this tournament, she showcased her talent at the WTA Future Stars event in Singapore in both 2016 and 2017, and made her WTA Tour debut during the Miami qualifiers in 2021.

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Una publicación compartida por Tatler Philippines (@tatlerphilippines)

A Federer fan

On the other side of the courts, 18-year-old Joao Fonseca is making a name for himself in the tennis world, representing the On Running brand, co-owned by his idol Roger Federer.

Known for identifying and nurturing emerging talents, On Running has also welcomed stars like Ben Shelton and Iga Swiatek into its fold.

Fonseca’s trajectory towards success is clear; he was crowned the US Open Junior champion in 2023, and at the Australian Open 2025, he reached the second round by defeating Andrey Rublev.

Fonseca’s growth as a player has been remarkable, with both On Running and Swiss luxury watch brand Rolex investing in his promising future.

“You can say Djokovic is the best of all time, but for me there’s no way. Djokovic may be the best of all time, but Federer is the greatest. He has no rival,” he has stated passionately.

Beyond sponsorships, Fonseca has captured the hearts of Brazilian fans with outstanding performances.

He showcased his talent against Ugo Humbert, winning decisively with a score of 6-4, 6-3, and put forth a valiant effort against Alex de Miñaur, narrowly losing in a challenging match that ended with a score of 5-7, 7-5, 6-3.

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Una publicación compartida por ATP Tour (@atptour)

This third round match was the most watched tennis event in the history of ESPN Brazil, as it led with more than 69% over the second on pay TV. In fact, at the end, De Miñaur himself wrote to the ESPN camera: Rio Open.

FAQ about Alexandra Eala and Joao Fonseca

Where was Alexandra Eala born? She was born on May 23, 2005 in Quezon City, Philippines, and comes from a family of athletes.
Where was Joao Fonseca born? In Rio de Janeiro, in 2006.
Where does Alexandra Eala train? At the Rafa Nadal Academy, located in Manacor (Mallorca), since she was 13 years old.
Which brands sponsor Joao Fonseca? On Running (clothing and footwear), Yonex (rackets) and Rolex (watches).
What is Alexandra Eala's current ranking? Number 134, and with what she has achieved up to the semifinals she is at 75.

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