KRISTEL SATUMBAGA

Alex Eala suffered an early exit at last week’s Miami Open, but definitely the country’s sports princess enjoyed every minute of her stay in the coastal city.

Aside from meeting Fil-American Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra, the 17-year-old Filipina also came face-to-face with Spaniard tennis sensation and world No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz.

Both players came at the Miami Dade Arena to watch the NBA game between the Miami Heat and the New York Knicks.

“Great seeing you last week at the Miami Heat x New York Knicks game! Good luck with the rest of the Miami Open!” Eala posted on her social media Monday, March 27.

At 19 years, four months and six days old, Alcaraz became the youngest palyer to top the singles rankings and the first teenager in the Open Era to top the men’s rankings, crediting his US Open victory to Casper Rudd last year.

Alcaraz, who is coming off a title win at the Indian Wells, is currently playing in the Round of 16 against American Tommy Paul.

Eala hopes to get inspired with her experience during and after her Miami Open stint, where she earned a wildcard berth but lost in her first-round match.