(UPDATE) PHILIPPINE tennis star Alex Eala said she wanted to see pound-for-pound boxing legend Manny Pacquiao courtside, in what was described as her “press box.”
When asked who she wanted in her box, Eala specifically mentioned the former politician, who recently stepped out of retirement in boxing.
“I would pick Manny Pacquiao,” Eala said.
Apart from the former senator, Eala also wanted world-class musicians such as Bad Bunny and Olivia Dean, whose songs are referenced in her social media posts.
Eala is currently competing in the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells in the United States, as she is set to take part in the Round of 16, after shocking Coco Gauff in a walkover victory on Monday’s Round of 32 in two sets, 6-2, 2-0.
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She will next face off against world no. 14 Linda Noskova of the Czech Republic at the round of 16 on Wednesday, where a victory could secure her a berth in the tournament’s quarterfinals.
Last month, Pacquiao said he was “full of pride and admiration” for Eala, while he watched her on television.
“She is carrying the country’s flag… There needs to be more people like her. Keep it up, work hard,” he told reporters in February.
Pacquiao, himself, is preparing for a 10-round exhibition match against his former sparring partner, Ruslan Provodnikov, which takes place on Apr. 18, 2026, and also confirmed a rematch against undefeated boxing star against Floyd Mayweather Jr. on Sept. 19. Both matches will take place in Las Vegas.