“I wanted to be someone like that,” US Open juniors champion Alex Eala credits Filipino boxer Manny Pacquiao for her miraculous win

“I wanted to be someone like that,” US Open juniors champion Alex Eala credits Filipino boxer Manny Pacquiao for her miraculous win

Manny Pacquiao and Alex Eala

17-year-old Alex Eala raised young spirits when she won the US Open juniors title. She defeated World No. 3 Lucie Havlickova, 6-2, 6-4 in the final to seal the title. She became the first Filipino to win a singles grand slam title in tennis. The young star is now focusing on accelerating her professional career.

She said after her win, “It’s a huge milestone in my career. I have bigger goals I want to achieve and I’m trying to take it step by step. “I’m focusing more on my professional career… I can’t say I’m done with juniors for sure, but I’m be focusing more on my professional tournaments.”

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I wanted to be someone like that: Alex Eala on Manny Pacquaio’s influence

Alex Eala
Alex Eala

Alex Eala recently revealed how legendary Filipino boxer, Manny Pacquiao has positively influenced her game. She said, “I grew up looking up to Manny Pacquaio, watching his matches. I wanted to be someone like that, someone who inspires others with their hard work — as a person, really, and not just as an athlete.”

Manny Pacquiao had a stunning 26-year-long career before he decided to retire last year for possible participation in politics. Now the fans are talking about his comeback to boxing after his unsuccessful political run.

Alex Eala turned heads after her US Open juniors win. She said, “In my experience, the pros are more mentally strong during the tight moments. There are some junior players that can hold their own during those moments, but I hope to see more of that and learn more about it, increase my level and increase the tournaments that I play. I want to be stronger in those tight points and play against much more experienced players.”

An emotional Eala added during the trophy presentation, “I fought for this [title] wholeheartedly, not just for myself but to also help the future of Philippine tennis. This isn’t just my victory, it’s our victory.”

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Also read: “I didn’t have to prove anything to anyone,” Iga Swiatek discusses how being the underdog on hardcourt helped her win the US Open