Alex Eala, Erik Spoelstra meet ahead of Miami Open

Alexandra "Alex" Eala and Erik Spoelstra met in Miami ahead of Eala’s campaign in the Miami Open.

“Just two powerhouses repping the Philippines at the highest level,” read the caption of a video shared by the Miami Heat on Tuesday (Philippine time).

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Spoelstra has long been open about his Filipino heritage and made history as the first Asian American head coach to win an NBA championship.

The two previously met in 2023, when Eala attended a Heat game that coincided with Spoelstra’s 700th career coaching victory.

Eala, meanwhile, is set to begin her Miami Open campaign with a first-round bye .

Last year’s tournament was a breakthrough moment for the young Filipina, as she reached her first WTA 1000 semifinal in Miami.

—JKC GMA Integrated News