Alex Eala has emerged as a new superstar on the WTA Tour over the last year, with her army of fans around the world eager to find out any nugget of information on the Filipina hero.

The tennis media ecosystem has been given a huge boost by Eala’s engaging presence on the biggest stages around the world, with websites, podcasts and TV networks seeing big boosts in interactions when the 21-year-old is on court.

Her impressive run to the last-16 at Wimbledon last month included a memorable win against defending champion Iga Swiatek and she backed that up by lifting her first WTA Tour title with a thrilling series of wins at the Washington Open earlier this month.

Everything associated with Eala is big news and there is plenty of interest in two of the most important pieces of equipment she takes onto court – her tennis racket and her trainers.

Here is your Tennis365 guide to two of the most important pieces in Eala’s armoury.

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The Rafael Nadal connection

Eala became part of the Rafael Nadal Academy programme in Mallorca at the start of her career and that may explain why she uses a Babolat racket and is wearing Nike clothing.

The tennis legend who set-up the Academy used a Babolat racket throughout his career and was also a long-time brand ambassador for Nike, with Eala following in his footsteps.

What racket does Eala use?

Eala uses a Babolat Pure Aero racket, with the frames she uses likely to be modified to suit her requirements.

The inscription on this racket on the Babolat website offers some details behind the racket, giving a glimpse of the technology that has gone into the frame.

“After two years of extensive research with experts and endorsed by professional players, the Pure Aero Gen9 features an even more aerodynamic frame, allowing your racquet to slice through the air with each stroke,” reads the description.

“Inspired by the explosive play of Carlos Alcaraz and other Babolat Tour professionals, the Pure Aero Gen9 empowers you to fully harness your arm’s strength. Your balls will spin faster, your strikes will be more powerful, and your forehand shots will achieve a new level of decisiveness. With an ideal balance between power and control, you can make every shot count, regardless of the conditions.”

The racket retails for around £250 in the UK or $299.00 in America.

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What shoes does Eala use

Eala uses the Nike Vapor Pro 3 trainers, with the description on the Nike website offering some insight into the product.

“The Vapor Pro 3 provides bounce and burst from side-to-side movements to scrambles to the net, so you can stay in the point,” it reads.

“With springy Air Zoom cushioning and a new rubber compound that makes the shoe lighter than previous Vapors, it’s primed to last to match point.

The Vapor Pro 3’s are available for £119.99 in the UK and $150 in America.

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