Alex Eala flattered by Pacquiao comparisons, but says she is still far from his level

The rise of Alexandra “Alex” Eala has drawn comparisons to boxing legend Manny Pacquiao, with an entire nation rallying behind the Filipina tennis star whenever she competes.

While flattered by the comparison, Eala said their journeys as athletes are unique.

“Pacquiao is such a sporting legend for us Filipinos now. And he's done a lot for us athletes, I think, to pave the way. I mean, it never really crossed my mind when I was watching his fights back home that one day I would be compared to him now,” Eala said in a press conference on Thursday.

“I think the feeling that Pacquiao gave the Filipinos is great to have someone to rally over. And, you know, when he would have fights, everyone was so excited and it was just a chance for people to come together. I guess my journey has similar things or can give similar things like that.

“So, I mean, it's very flattering to be compared to him. But at the same time, I think they are also two unique journeys. They're two very different journeys,” she added.

Humble as ever, Eala acknowledged that she still has a long way to go before reaching Pacquiao’s level of sporting greatness.

“I don't think one takes away from the other. I think I'm still very, very far from the levels of Pacquiao. But I think they're beautiful. Both, they both have their own beautiful set of characteristics,” she said.

Eala will take on Elena-Gabriela Ruse in the Round of 64 of the Cincinnati Open.

—JKC, GMA News