Alex Eala considers her dad a great role model: 'Best father I could ask for'

For Filipina tennis ace Alex Eala, her tennis journey is not complete without the help of his father Mike.

In a virtual press conference on Sunday, which also happened to be Father's Day, the French Open juniors doubles champ said she considers her dad as 'a great role model.'

"He does so much for my career," Alex said.

Eala shared that her dad supports her not only emotionally and financially, but even in managing her tournaments and flights.

"He is the best dad I could ask for and of course, everything I do, and all my wins, I dedicate to them (parents)."

"I think that both of my parents have invested so much into me as a person and I definitely wouldn't be where I am today without all their work and all the effort that they put into," she added.

Being a father of a Grand Slam champion, Mike is, of course, proud of Alex's achievements.

"We're also proud of what Alex has been able to achieve for the past two Grand Slams, as well as Miko doing well in Penn State," said Mike.

Miko, Alex's brother, is playing tennis for Pennsylvania State University in the United States.

"It's very humbling and surprising at how the Filipinos have grabbed on to Alex's journey," Mike said. "It's also inspiring to see that Alex is able to make this positive effect on these people and we're very grateful."

But for Mike, raising children who are achievers requires the effort of the whole family.

"For things to work out the way they have [worked out], it can't be just the father's job or the mother's. It's a team effort," he said in a mix of Filipino and English.

"Even the brother, I guess. Miko also has his role or place in the family or the team on how to motivate, encourage, and create a positive atmosphere for everyone to proceed the way things have proceeded."

Alex on June 12 won her second juniors Grand Slam title in the 2021 Roland Garros, along with Russian partner Oksana Selekhmeteva.

—Justin Kenneth Carandang/JMB, GMA News