Sisterhood on court: Alexandra Eala’s warm message to Iga Swiatek after meet-up
Photo by Robert Prange/Getty Images Iga Swiatek and Alexandra Eala have linked up again at the Rafael Nadal Academy, meeting there for the first time since 2023. Both are gearing up for their first clay court events of the season, with Swiatek also working alongside new coach Francisco Roig. Eala has the Linz Open in Austria on her schedule, while Swiatek is expected to headline a strong Women’s Stuttgart Open field that includes Coco Gauff and Aryna Sabalenka.
Before they return to WTA action, Eala shared a message to the world number two on social media. Photo by Robert Prange/Getty Images Alexandra Eala shares a message for Iga Swiatek Eala and Swiatek were spotted training together at the Rafael Nadal Academy, a photo that marked three years since they last met. Their first meeting came during Eala’s graduation from the academy in 2023, where Swiatek was also in attendance.
Speaking after their initial meeting, Eala had this to say about her first interaction with the Polish star: “Still can’t believe I have this picture with you. ” Eala’s rise since then has been quick. Less than a year later, she scored a breakout win over Swiatek at the Miami Open.
The pair met again at the Madrid Open later that season, with Swiatek edging it in three sets. A third meeting almost happened again at this year’s Miami Open, but Magda Linette knocked out Swiatek in the second round. What Iga Swiatek has previously said about Alexandra Eala Even though the dynamic between Swiatek and Eala has changed since they first crossed paths, there’s still a lot of respect between them.
The Pole has often spoken highly of Eala, and during this year’s Australian Open, she took a moment to discuss why so many people are starting to follow her. “For sure she’s a nice person and I think personality-wise she also deserves to be supported I guess because she has all the good qualities,” she explained. “Also, like, I guess coming from a smaller country, you will be kind of bigger because it’s not like they have many athletes that they can look up to, I guess.