Alexandra Ela, the 19-year-old Filipino tennis prodigy, is sending a clear message to her rivals on the WTA tour: she’s just getting started, and her rise through the ranks is far from over. Ela’s journey has been nothing short of inspiring, as she made waves at the 2025 Miami Open, where she defied expectations and reached the semifinals, despite entering the tournament as a wildcard. Her impressive victories over seasoned Grand Slam champions like Jelena Ostapenko, Madison Keys, and Iga Świątek have firmly placed her on the global tennis map.

Her remarkable run in Miami marked several milestones, most notably moving up to a career-high world ranking of No. 75, making her the first Filipino woman to break into the top 100. Ela’s rise is even more significant given her humble beginnings in the Philippines, where tennis is not as popular as other sports like basketball or boxing. From an early age, Ela showed immense potential with her powerful groundstrokes, quick footwork, and relentless drive. Her success in junior tournaments laid the foundation for her transition to the WTA tour, and in just a few short years, she has established herself as one of the brightest young stars in the sport.

A key part of her development has been her training at the prestigious Rafa Nadal Academy in Mallorca, where she has honed her skills under the guidance of one of tennis’s greatest champions. Ela has often expressed her admiration for Rafael Nadal, whom she credits as a major source of inspiration. This relationship has gone beyond coaching; Nadal’s guidance has helped Ela develop not only her technical game but also her mental resilience and work ethic. In fact, Nadal recently took the time to personally congratulate her on her success during the Miami Open, sending her a direct message that Ela described as a “shock” to receive. It was a simple yet powerful gesture that further solidified the bond between the mentor and his protégé.

As Ela reflects on her recent successes, she remains grounded and focused on her future goals. Despite her meteoric rise, she is determined not to rest on her laurels. “I’m just focused on improving,” Ela said in a recent interview. “Every day I try to get better, whether it’s with my technique, my fitness, or my mental approach. I know I have a lot to learn, but I’m always looking for ways to grow.” This mindset is what sets her apart from many of her peers and is a crucial factor in her rapid progress. Ela is not just relying on her natural talent; she is consistently pushing herself to become a more complete player, working on every aspect of her game—from footwork to serve, to her mental toughness on court.

Her message to the WTA rivals is loud and clear: Ela is not just here to compete; she is here to win. Her message to the tennis world is an inspiring one, and it reflects her unwavering belief in her abilities and her desire to be among the best. Ela’s confidence, coupled with her dedication to continuous improvement, makes her a formidable opponent on the court, and her rise is just beginning. The young Filipino star is making her mark on the sport, and with her determination and work ethic, there’s little doubt that Ela will continue to make waves on the WTA tour for years to come.

Ela’s journey also serves as a reminder that with hard work, dedication, and the right mentorship, any player can rise to the top, regardless of their background. In a sport dominated by top-ranked players, Ela is proving that she belongs, and she is only just beginning to show the world what she’s capable of. Her inspiring story will undoubtedly serve as motivation for aspiring tennis players everywhere, and the WTA tour is on notice: Alexandra Ela is coming for the top spot.