FILIPINO tennis star Alex Eala said she wanted to face off against tennis legends, such as Serena Williams and her idol, Maria Sharapova.
Interviewed by Andy Roddick on his Served Media podcast, Eala said that these players would be a dream matchup.
“I would say Serena Williams,” she said, before being told she might get the chance to actually play against her.
“If I could do two in the past, I’ll do Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova,” Eala told Roddick and Jon Wertheim.
She also said she wanted a face off against world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka.
“Sabalenka, of course, because everyone wants to play the number one in the world. I almost had the chance last year. It’s exactly what my coach told me in the (Miami Open 2025) semifinals before I played Jessica (Pegula),” Eala said.
She has yet to play Sabalenka in any WTA tournament, but she was known for defeating higher-seeded opponents in last year’s Miami Open, especially then world No. 2 Iga Swiatek.
This year, Eala was able to defeat former doubles partner Coco Gauff at the Indian Wells Masters earlier this month, in a 6-2, 2-0 walkover victory in the round of 32, after world No. 4 Gauff had to pull from the match due to injury.
While Eala is currently world No. 29, her rankings are expected to drop following the expiration of the points from last year’s Miami Open, and is expected to place between 45th to 50th, following the results of this year’s edition.
Eala is currently preparing for the Linz Open, following a Round of 16 appearance at this year’s Miami Open.
