Tennis legend Bllie Jean King praises ‘inspiration’ Alex Eala

Alex Eala and tennis legend Billie Jean King pose for a photo after the Filipino’s win at Wimbledon in London.–Photo from Bllie Jean King’s X account

MANILA, Philippines — Tennis legend Billie Jean King and Alex Eala shared a moment after the Filipino ace made more history for the Philippines in Wimbledon.

Eala was the star at Center Court on Saturday after she dethroned defending champion Iga Swiatek, 7-6(9), 6-2, to reach the All England Club round of 16.

“What a treat to spend some time with Alex Eala, fresh off her historic win at Wimbledon today,” King, a 12-time Grand Slam singles champion, posted on social media. “She is the first Filipino to reach the Round of 16. Such an inspiration for kids in the Philippines and all over the world. Keep going for it, Alex!”

Five-time Grand Slam winner Maria Sharapova was also in awe of Eala.

“What a star!” Sharapova, who won the Wimbledon crown in 2004, commented on an Instagram post by Wimbledon.

Sharapova, a former world No. 1 and a winner of 36 WTA titles, is also Eala’s childhood idol.

“I looked up so many players, but my one super idol when I was growing up was Maria Sharapova because of the way she played and her mentality, but also the way she presented herself,” Eala said in her homecoming press conference July last year. “I think I was probably five when I first saw her and she was always dressed nice and she was loved by everyone so I was not an exception to that.”

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., boxing icon Manny Pacquiao, Gilas Pilipinas coach Tim Cone, two-time Olympic pole vaulter EJ Obiena, and Alas Pilipinas star Alyssa Valdez also celebrated Eala’s historic victory.

Eala shoots for a quarterfinal spot against Italian world No. 17 Jasmine Paolini on Monday (Manila time).