Alex Eala reflected on sharing the court with four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka following her milestone victory at the Mubadala DC Open.
"She definitely has aura and she definitely has power, I can tell you. I remember watching her finals in the Australian Open and also in the US Open, so really a great experience to share the court with her and I'm really happy that I was able to produce that level against her," the Filipina tennis star said in an interview with Tennis Channel.
Alex defeated Naomi in the semifinals, securing her first WTA 500 final and second tour-level final overall.
Asked about her mindset during high-pressure matches, Alex said she focuses on the aspects of her game that are within her control. "I try to to do best what I can control. So, whatever I can control I try to do my hundred percent," she highlighted.
Alex is set to face world No. 3 Jessica Pegula in the championship match. Jessica previously defeated her in the semifinals of the 2025 Miami Open.
When asked how her game has developed since their previous encounter, Alex replied: "I think I would say if I compare myself now to then, I am more well-rounded. I think I'm physically a little better. I have improved on a couple of my strokes."
She went on: "But then again each player is always evolving and improvement is not a linear thing. So, every match is different and I'm sure Jess has also changed so much in these 18 months so it's gonna be great."
READ: Alex Eala pens message for Filipino supporters as she leaves PH for next tournament
Alex was also asked what keeps her grounded amid her growing list of achievements and the support she has received throughout her young career.
"For one, I still have so much motivation to become a better player, become a better person. I'm 21 so it's not like I'm the queen of the world or anything," she said. "Another thing is that tennis is such a humbling sport. Another thing is I look back on how far I've come and where I've come from and I've come a long way that's another thing that keeps me grounded."
The Filipina tennis star went on: "My family keeps me grounded. My team keeps me grounded. Every error I hit on the court keeps me grounded. Every time I'm mad on the court keeps me grounded. When I wake up in the morning and I have bad hair, keeps me grounded. There's so many things that keep you grounded."