REMEMBER when Alex Eala and her family came to watch a Miami Heat game roughly two years ago?
Well, someone significant has just returned the favor.
The Miami Herald revealed that NBA coach Erik Spoelstra, who is of Filipino descent, took time to watch Eala live during her upset of Iga Swiatek earlier in the week. It was the pivotal match that earned her a spot against Jessica Pegula in the semifinals, where she eventually ended her run.
Eala, however, raised the Philippine flag high, recording the country’s best-ever finish. And of course, among her fans is Spoelstra.
“Great deal of pride. The country is exploding over her story,” Spoelstra told the Miami Herald on Friday (Philippine time).
He continued: “I think it’s one of the most inspiring things ever that a world-ranked tennis player comes out of a small place in the Philippines. I had the fortune of meeting her here two years ago. She came to one of our games, and nobody knew who she was. She was just a fan, and it was her first time at the Miami Open. And now, what she’s doing is just absolutely magical.”
Back to you, Alex!
Looking back at their first interaction in March 2023, Spoelstra was pleased to finally ‘return the favor’ to the now-19-year-old star.
“We won that game when she came here two years ago, and I said, ‘Ok, I owe her one. I’ll be at one of your matches,’” he said.
“Unfortunately, it’s taken two years. But hey, I’m glad I waited because [Wednesday] was incredible. It was so inspiring. I was able to watch the match with her family, her agent, her coach, and just seeing the pride of everybody in that circle. It’s really inspiring. … It was a special day, and she’s still going. It’s a magical ride.”
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