MANILA -- Filipino volleyball superstar Alyssa Valdez already considers up-and-coming tennis player Alex Eala a "legend" in Philippine sports -- and she has no doubt that the 20-year-old will reach greater heights in the years to come.
Valdez had joined the chorus of congratulatory messages for Eala last week, when she became the first tennis player from the Philippines to win a singles match in a Grand Slam.
Eala stunned Danish 14th seed Clara Tauson, 6-3, 2-6, 7-6 (11), in the first round of the US Open to make history once more for the Philippines. It was the latest of her strong results this year, which already included a giant-killing run to the semifinals of the Miami Open wherein she defeated former Grand Slam champions including Iga Swiatek.
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"She's already, I would say, a legend also in our community," Valdez said Saturday.
Valdez is especially impressed with how Eala deals with the pressure of representing the Philippines on a global stage. For "The Phenom" -- who is no stranger to pressure herself -- this shows the importance of Eala's inner circle.
"It's just so obvious and very evident naman na napakaganda ng support system ni Alex Eala. And kitang-kita mo sa performances niya -- buong-buo siya dahil buong-buo din ang suporta sa kaniya ng mga siguro, circle niya," she said.
"I think that's one thing na very important right now in her career -- to have that circle. To have that support system, to keep going," Valdez added.
Eala is likely to face more pressure-packed situations in the future as she continues to play at a high level, and Valdez is confident that this will turn her into an even better player.
"I think it's just so nice na this early, nararamdaman niya 'yung mga pressure. Kasi, always, always, we always say na pressure is such a huge privilege, and it will shape her," said the Creamline team captain.
"It will mold her into become someone na icon talaga, legend. Ngayon pa lang, 'yun na siya, so what more sa mga susunod na maipapakita niya pa para sa ating bansa."
On a personal level, Valdez says she is inspired by Eala's recent successes, even calling the tennis player "my hero right now." She believes that Eala's impact extends not just to her and her fellow athletes, but also to young hopefuls who see the tennis star raise the Philippine flag in various tournaments all over the world.
"Alam mo, when you look look at Alex -- nakakabata, na parang feeling mo, if Alex can do it, you can also do it. Such an inspiration, and hopefully, mas marami pa siyang ma-inspire na mga atleta, na mga kabataan, at kababaihan," said Valdez.