Alex Eala attended her first New York Fashion Week event as she graced the Tory Burch fashion show.
In an interview with Cultured Magazine, the Filipina tennis star expressed her excitement over attending the event.
"This is my first fashion week! I'm so excited. I'm a little nervous. There are some amazing people in this room so I'm so happy to be a part of it," she remarked.
In the same interview, Alex reflected on the similarities between sports and fashion, particularly when it comes to self-expression.
"Sports and fashion are common in a way where you get to express yourself and you get to show your personality," she highlighted.
The Filipina tennis star went on: "Sports is very physically demanding and fashion... maybe come back to me after this week and I'll know more about it."
Prior to attending her first New York Fashion Week event, Alex also appeared on the US national television program CBS Mornings.
During the interview, the Filipina tennis star was asked how she has been navigating her growing popularity and the attention that has come with her recent success.
"I think step-by-step. I try to not to look so much at the bigger picture all time because I can get lost and it can get overwhelming with a lot of emotions especially with the support that I get," she said.
When asked about the pressure that comes with representing the Philippines on the international stage, Alex shared how she has learned to embrace high-pressure situations as part of being a competitive athlete.
"It definitely comes with pressure. But the life of a competitive athlete comes with pressure and pressure is a privilege and I have never been able to relate something more and now when I face high pressure situations, I’m able to take it in my stride and especially with the experience I've been gaining this year, I look forward to being in those situations. So, this US Open has just been so great."
READ: Alex Eala expresses gratitude after US Open exit: ‘A forever kind of memory’
The 21-year-old tennis star also opened up about what the past year has taught her about the power of representation and how she hopes her journey can inspire others, particularly the younger generation.
"One thing I’ve learned this past year is really the power of representation and how deep of an effect inspiration can have. When I interact with the people who support me and they tell me their stories, it really touches me," she said.
"I just hope that whatever I do and the job that I have, and my day-to-day work inspires other people and inspires the youth especially to chase their dreams," she added.