Alex Eala Prepares For First US Open Main Draw As Her Idol Maria Sharapova Becomes A Hall Of Famer

Alex Eala And Maria Sharapova Forged Similar Paths

Alex Eala had a Sharapova poster in her childhood room and studied her as part of a fifth grade school project.

Eala and Sharapova left their childhood homes at young ages to train.

Sharapova went from Russia to Florida.

Eala left the Philippines to train at the Rafael Nadal Academy in Spain.

Nike Collaborations For Eala And Sharapova

Maria Sharapova was among the pioneers who wore custom Nike kits .

https://youtube.com/shorts/OXbW2kpDbbc?feature=shared

Alex Eala and Nike have collaborated on clothing that features the Philippine national flower, the sampaguita.

Sharapova's Success Inspires Eala

Maria Sharapova is a five-time Grand Slam champion, winner of the Career Slam, and a WTA Finals champion.

Her superior play on all surfaces helped her attain the World No. 1 ranking, a goal that Eala has admitted she is working toward.

Eala is just getting started, but the Junior US Open champion would like to have a long tennis career with Sharapova's level of success.

First things first, she opens her US Open campaign with a first round match against World No. 15 Clara Tauson.