It's a full-circle moment for Alex Eala. The Filipina is the next guest on Maria Sharapova's podcast Pretty Tough, GMA News reports.
The podcast's official Instagram page shared a video of Eala hugging her longtime idol on set, delighted at finally getting to meet her officially.
Eala also shared a childhood photo of herself with Sharapova. "Guys, it says, 'My goal is to be her,' I'm not even kidding," Eala said.
Sharapova sounded just as excited. "By very popular demand and rightfully so…she's the girl of the moment. Tomorrow on @PrettyTough I cannot wait for you to listen to this one!!" she wrote on Instagram.
The admiration is not new. In July, after Eala beat Iga Świątek at Wimbledon, Sharapova praised her online and called her "a star."
The guest spot caps a busy stretch off the court. Eala is fresh from her Paris Fashion Week debut at Chanel's Spring/Summer 2027 show, after making her New York Fashion Week debut in September. Back home, fans can catch her at "Alex Eala Live: Game. Set. Celebrate," an exhibition against Janice Tjen of Indonesia at the Philippine Arena on Dec. 8.
Listen when the episode drops, and follow Rally's Alex Eala hub for verified results and schedule updates.
