MANILA, Philippines — For Alex Eala, Maria Sharapova stands out among the tennis stars who have made an impact on fashion, with the Filipina player naming her as her style icon.
In a social media post, Vogue shared a video of Eala answering a series of quick questions before competing at the US Open, from her dream doubles partner to the player whose fashion she admires most.
Asked about her favorite tennis outfit worn by another player, Eala immediately pointed to Sharapova.
“Anything Maria Sharapova,” she said. “I also love Chris Evert’s dresses when she was playing. Serena’s got some great ones, Venus as well. But I have to say my style icon was Maria Sharapova.”
Sharapova, in turn, recently praised Eala after the Filipina defeated Iga Swiatek at Wimbledon, calling her “a star.”
Eala’s fashion interests have also caught the attention of Vogue global editorial director Anna Wintour, who recently praised the young Filipina’s interest in style and the growing connection between tennis and fashion.
“I think it’s really interesting, especially when you look at players obviously like Serena or Naomi who really embrace fashion and express themselves with it,” Wintour said in a US Open video interview.
“And we had the young Filipino star. You know, you could see even in such a young star how interested she is in fashion and how she wants to learn about it and follow it, and I think it’s great. It’s wonderful how sports and fashion have become this wonderful sort of marriage,” she added.
In the Vogue interview, Eala also revealed her dream doubles partner.
“Rafa Nadal,” she said. “If I had played with him at any point in my lifetime, I would have to move my feet like I’ve never moved my feet before. It will force me to produce some of the best tennis I’ve ever played in my life.”
Away from tennis, Eala shared some of her favorite music and television shows. She named “Baile Inolvidable” as her “song of the summer” and said she would love to join the cast of either “The Office” or “Modern Family.”
“Oh, The Office! I think The Office or Modern Family,” she said. “I think each character is so well thought out and so funny and so charismatic. So I’d love to be a character.”
For her in-flight entertainment, Eala said she usually turns to “Pride and Prejudice.”
And when it comes to waiting in line in New York City, Eala knows what would be worth the wait.
“I am a sweet treat girl through and through. And there are so many places here, it’s very difficult to stay locked in, but I would definitely go for a sweet treat,” she said.
As of posting, Eala is currently playing against Mary Stoiana in the US Open first round.
