Filipino tennis star Alex Eala attends a UAAP game between La Salle and UP. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — Filipino tennis star Alex Eala had front-row seats to the rivalry between La Salle and the Univeristy of the Philippines in the UAAP men’s basketball on Sunday.
Eala and her family were among 13,000 fans who watched the clash between the two frontrunners this Season 87 with the Green Archers getting the better of the Fighting Maroons 77-66, to secure the top seed in the Final Four.
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“Well, it’s super exciting. Dad ko kasi UP alumni so I’m very happy to be here with the family,” Alex said, referring to her father Mike.
READ: Alex Eala headed home after wrapping up China stints
The 19-year-old juniors Grand Slam champion admitted she’s not a huge fan of basketball, but that might change after Sunday.
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“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,” said Eala.
Eala, though, said she could still relate to the life of the student-athletes competing at the highest level.
READ: For Alex Eala, a special kind of Grand Slam
“I think all athletes have sort of understanding. It’s easy to respect athletes for what they do especially since I know how hard to work to be at a certain level. I’m super lucky to have been able to [have] time [to watch] the game,” she said.
Last year, Eala also watched the PVL finals between Creamline and Choco Mucho during her break.
The Rafael Nadal Academy graduate is coming off a series of Women’s Tennis Association tournaments in China.
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After her short break at home, Eala is closing out her season in Japan, Beijing, and Dubai.