Rafael Nadal congratulated his academy student, Alexandra Eala, after she reached her first WTA final at the Eastbourne Open. The 20-year-old Filipina continues to show her rapid adaptation to the top level and secured an epic victory over Varvara Gracheva.

Alex Eala advanced past France's Varvara Gracheva with a gritty 7-5, 2-6, 6-3 triumph in the semifinals of the Eastbourne Open on Thursday. This victory marks the second time this year that Eala has bested Gracheva,

The Eastbourne women’s semi-finals begin with Alexandra Eala facing Varvara Gracheva. Eala, coming off a strong win over Dayana Yastremska, is playing in her first WTA grass-court semifinal. Gracheva advanced after Barbora Krejčíková withdrew due to injury.