MANILA – Wherever Alex Eala plays, her growing fanbase is never far behind -- proof of the Filipina tennis star's rise while on tour.
But even the 21-year-old has her share of fangirl moments -- most recently with tennis legend Billie Jean King at Wimbledon.
King, who has won 39 grand slam titles, was all praises for Eala after her historic victory over erstwhile champion Iga Swiatek in the third round of Wimbledon.
READ: Tennis legends Billie Jean King, Sharapova hail Alex Eala after historic Wimbledon win
The former World No. 1 encouraged Eala to keep going, even calling her "such an inspiration for kids in the Philippines and all over the world."
While this was already their second meeting, Eala said she was not prepared to spend some time with King and hear good words.
"It was a spontaneous meeting. I didn't know prior. She just happened to be there, and it was the second time I've met her. It's the second time I've met her. And, like you said, she's paved the way for so many," Eala said at the media homecoming celebration at the BPI Wealth Lounge in Makati City on Tuesday.
"She has done so much for women and for equality. So, I respect her so much in that aspect. And the things she has done in my field have been amazing," she added.
Eala said her second encounter with the tennis legend will be one she will always cherish.
"It was nice to chat with her. She inquired about my family, she asked how my family was, and she's very down to earth. So I was a little starstruck, but I mean, it's definitely a moment that I will remember," she shared.
Aside from King, Russian tennis icon Maria Sharapova had kind words for Eala after her third-round victory over Swiatek.
The 21-year-old was happy to know that her idol has taken notice of her, hoping to meet her in person someday.
"I mean, Maria is … my childhood idol. She's someone I looked up to a lot. Yeah. So, I mean, I think if I ever meet her, I will be starstruck," Eala said.
"And yeah, the fact that she's commenting on my post means she knows who I am. So, that's a win. I'll take it," she added.
Eala reached the fourth round of Wimbledon against World No. 15 Jasmine Paolini, becoming the first Filipina to reach that far in a grand slam singles in the Open Era.