NEW YORK: Alexandra Eala became the Philippines' first Grand Slam junior champion at the US Open on Saturday (Sep 10), using her idol Rafael Nadal for inspiration.The 17-year-old Filipina defeated French Open girls champion Lucie Havlickova of the Czech Republic 6-2, 6-4 in the final.“Of course, we’ll meet many more times in the future,” 10th seeded Eala said during her victory speech, thanking her higher-ranked opponent, family, and all those who supported her throughout the competition.Eala was born in Quezon City in 2005.
She took up the sport as a youngster and began competing in tournaments before she was a teenager.Her talent attracted scouts from the Rafa Nadal Academy in Manacor, Spain, where she relocated to focus on improving her game."My idol is obviously Rafa.
He's a very good role model, something a lot of people should idolise and try to be," said Eala."The biggest thing I notice in Rafa is how he fights till the end, how his thoughts are so clear.
He's so calm, but at the same time so fired up. I think I really tried to channel that energy during this whole week."At 14 years old, Eala made her junior debut at the 2019 US Open.