KRISTEL SATUMBAGA

Junior tennis sensation Alex Eala is leaving Miami, Florida with happy memories.

A day after losing her first-round match at the prestigious Miami Open, the junior teen sensation shared a moment with veteran NBA coach Erik Spoelstra.

The meeting was held backstage of the Miami-Dade Arena where Eala, accompanied by her father Mike, was set to catch the game between the Miami Heat and the New York Knicks.

“Coach Spo… Alex Eala. Two of the Philippines’ finest,” Miami Heat’s Twitter post read, accompanied by a photo and video of Eala and Spoelstra’s interaction.

In the photo, Eala and Spoelstra were also joined by Miami Heat star Bam Adebayo.

Spoelstra, who has been the head coach of the Heat since 2008, encouraged Eala to never give up on her dreams as he hopes to see her play at the Miami Open again.

Only 17, Eala has been making waves in the tennis circuit that include winning the historic US Open Girls Singles title last year.

That feat earned her a wildcard entry in the main draw for the second time.