Alex Eala shares what Rafael Nadal is really like behind the scenes

Alex Eala moved to Spain at the age of 13 to train at the Rafael Nadal Academy.

Since then, the Filipina has become one of the biggest stars in women’s tennis, reaching a career-high ranking of 29th in the world

Alex Eala says Rafael Nadal is ‘very down to earth’ but admits she is still scared to talk to him

Roddick asked Eala to recall her first interaction with Nadal.

“The first interaction with Rafa [Nadal] in the academy space, around that time, was not actually in the academy,” she said.

“So, before, we did like a trial, one week, see how it goes…

“My parents, my brother, and I, we flew over, and in the Madrid airport, we just happened to pass by Rafa on the way to his academy.

That was the first interaction I remember in Spain.

“So a good way to start, I’d say!”

Eala explained what her relationship with Nadal was like from then on.

“After that, I don’t really remember. He was there a lot, and he’s very down to earth when you talk to him,” she said.

“He asks questions and things like that.

“But he’s Rafa, so you’re always going to be scared. I’m always still scared.

I don’t know what to say. I always get very tongue-tied.

“It doesn’t get easier!”

Eala may still get nervous around the Spaniard, but Nadal clearly respects her.

Last year, Nadal posted the following message on Instagram after training with Eala

One year later, it felt great to be back on a tennis court,” he said.

“It was great to practice with you, Alex Eala!

“Next time I will be stronger.”

Eala later thanked Nadal for the training session in the comments.

“Thank you for today, Rafa,” she said.

The 20-year-old would be wise to call upon Nadal again, as she approaches the clay-court season…

Nadal is the greatest clay-court player of all time.

The numbers speak for themselves.

There is nobody better to talk to about clay-court tennis than the 22-time major champion.

Eala knows this and should act now.