Alex Eala says she looked up to Rafa Nadal, Manny Pacquiao in her tennis journey

US Open junior girls singles champion Alex Eala, while making her own name in the world of tennis, admitted that she also looked up to some sports icons while growing up.

Take for example Rafa Nadal, who even greeted the 17-year old tennis ace after winning the Grand Slam title.

"I am super happy about Rafa greeting me on Instagram. It's not an everyday thing that happens so [I'm] super blessed," Eala said in Lei Alviz' 24 Oras report from a press conference organized by Globe on Friday

Eala, who trained in Nadal's academy, said she was inspired by his work ethic which she saw when the tennis legend was training in Mallorca, Spain.

"There's so many things you can absorb and learn and it's definitely been a huge part of my development as a player," she said.

The Filipino champion also admitted looking up to boxing icon Manny Pacquiao and said she also wants to be an inspiration to other people.

"I just want to be someone people can look up to, not just young girls, anyone really. I grew up looking up to Manny Pacquiao, watching his matches," she said.

Eala was also saddened with Roger Federer's retirement from the professional scene.

"I was super sad to wake up to this news. As we all know, he's such an icon in this sport. I think the thing I most admire about Roger is his grace on court, and off the court as well, his composure, and how he carries himself and the image he has built up over the years," he said.

Eala won the US Open junior girls singles title last September 11.

—Justin Kenneth Carandang/JMB, GMA News