A curious spectator caught the attention of many when the De La Salle Green Archers and the UP Fighting Maroons squared off again in the UAAP Men’s Basketball tournament this season.
Tennis prodigy Alex Eala, who is in the country for a brief vacation before continuing her season, was at the SMART Araneta Coliseum. Despite having limited knowledge of basketball, the high level of competition displayed by both teams piqued her interest in the sport.
“Well, it’s super exciting. Dad ko kasi a UP alumnus so I’m very happy to be here with the family. I’m not a huge fan of basketball so I think after this game I’m going to be a little more into it. It’s nice to see the intensity of the other players and the overall atmosphere,” Eala shared.
The two-time junior Grand Slam doubles champion expressed admiration for the performance of both De La Salle and UP, acknowledging their high level of skill and dedication.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“Of course, all athletes have sort of understanding and respect for other athletes on what they do especially I know how hard it is to work to be at a certain level. So, yeah, I’m super lucky to have timed the game,” she added.
Although Eala’s tennis season is far from over, with upcoming tournaments in Japan and Dubai, as well as the Billie Jean King Cup on the horizon, the 19-year-old was pleased with how the year has unfolded so far, especially considering the challenges she’s faced in the sport.
“Sometimes it feels very surreal when I go to the past and look at the other things I did. If you look back, parang minsan nakakaiyak, because I started in Palawan, Tarlac, traveling all over the Philippines to play tennis and now I’m traveling all over the world and I’m really living my dream.
“Of course, there’s so much more that I want to achieve but I can’t take what I have now for granted. Although there’s a long journey ahead, it’s been really a long journey. I started tennis when I was four so it’s a huge part of my life and I’m really proud of what I achieved,” she reflected.
Having come close to reaching the main draw of three Grand Slams—the French Open, Wimbledon, and the US Open—this year, Eala is determined to break through in the upcoming season.
“I would say I’m far, in terms of results, I’m far. I would say I’m very ambitious and I know that the road is very long so although I’m happy with where I am right now does not mean I want to stay there.
“A big goal for me would be to play in the main draw. It would mean a lot to be there. In the last three Slams, I’ve gotten really, really close, which is good, but at the same time, sometimes it’s disheartening that I lost in a very tight match. But in the end, if you look back on it, you know what you need to improve,” she concluded.
