Alex Eala channels ‘idol’ Nadal to become Philippines’ first Grand Slam winner

Alex Eala became the Philippines' first Grand Slam junior champion at the US Open on Saturday, using her "idol" Rafael Nadal for inspiration. The 17-year-old Filipina defeated French Open girls champion Lucie Havlickova of the Czech Republic 6-2, 6-4 in the final. "My idol is obviously Rafa. He's a very good role model, something a lot of people should idolize and try to be," said Eala who is based at the 22-time Grand Slam champion's academy in Spain. "The biggest thing I notice in Rafa is how he fights till the end, how his thoughts are so clear. "He's so calm, but at the same time so fired up. I think I really tried to channel that energy during this whole week." ht...

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