If asked to name the best moment of her career so far, Alex Eala would have a hard time choosing between her historic Wimbledon run and her breakthrough triumph at the Washington Open as her fans begin to compare her rise to that of boxing immportal Manny Pacquiao.

The 21-year-old Eala admitted both tournaments gave her unforgettable experiences and memories as she continues to establish herself among the world’s best.

The world No. 20 Eala is facing world No. 77 Elena-Gabriela Ruse of Romania in the Round of 64 of the Cincinnati Open as of press time.

The prestigious WTA 1000 event will be Eala’s final tournament before she shifts her focus to the US Open, which starts on 30 August in New York City.

“It’s very, very difficult to pick. I mean, it would have to be between Wimbledon and Washington,” Eala said.

“I think playing on Center Court and winning in such fashion against the great players, I mean, something I’ll never forget. And it was my first win on Centre, so crazy, crazy, crazy experience. Everyone says you’ll never forget your first title, so it’s kind of like my two babies. I don’t want to pick.”

Eala made history at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in London by becoming the first Filipino to reach the Wimbledon Round of 16.

Her run was highlighted by a 6-2, 7-5 victory over world No. 5 Iga Swiatek of Poland in the third round, sending the defending champion out of the tournament.

Around three weeks after her breakthrough performance at Wimbledon, Eala began her North American swing with a bang by winning her first WTA title at the Washington Open.

Facing top-tier competition and battling through weather delays in the final, Eala prevailed in front of a predominantly Filipino crowd after defeating world No. 3 and home bet Jessica Pegula, 4-6, 6-4, 6-0.

Even world No. 24 Madison Keys of the United States has been impressed by the Filipino fans who consistently turn up for Eala’s matches.

“It’s so crazy to see that everywhere Alex goes, she has a full stadium, literally everywhere we ever play. It is so cool to watch her become this massive star,” Keys said.

With Eala now drawing comparisons to eight-time world champion, the Filipina ace was quick to downplay the comparison, saying they have taken very different paths to reach their respective heights.

Eala also credited Pacquiao for showing the world that Filipinos can thrive on the international stage.

“They are two very different journeys, so 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 both have their own beautiful set of characteristics,” Eala said.

“Pacquiao is such a sporting legend for us Filipinos, and he’s done a lot for us athletes. It never really crossed my mind when I was watching his fights back home that one day I would be compared to him.”