WORLD’S no. 2 netter Coco Gauff appreciates the chemistry that she is developing with her doubles’ partnership with Filipina sensation Alexandra Eala.
The 21-year-old Gauff said this after she and Eala bowed out of contention in the women’s doubles quarterfinals of the Internazionali BNL d’Italia, right before taking down Zheng Qinwen in three tightly contested sets, 7-6 (3), 4-6, 7-6 (4), to barge into the singles’ finals.
“She is super great, super fun, and she plays super aggressive doubles, which is something I like, and definitely need,” said Gauff.
Gauff said this in a lives-treamed interview, moments before she took three hours and 33 minutes on Thursday evening to finish off Zheng.
This put Gauff in a final encounter against home favorite Jasmine Paolini, who toppled Peyton Stearns, 7-5, 6-1.
Eala, according to Gauff, reminded her of the time when she was still 19-years old when they played together against Paolini and Sara Errani in the doubles’ quarterfinals.
“And in our match yesterday, she definitely got MVP for that. I was just kind of there. So, I told her sometimes I forget how to play because it’s been a while. It’s just one of those things,” Gauff.
Paolini is also in the doubles’ semifinals with Errani following their win over Gauff and Eala. They are set to face Mirra Andreeva and Dina Shnaider.
Gauff also hinted that she Eala could team up again in the doubles in their next tournament.
“You know how they say you don’t forget how to ride a bike? Doubles, you definitely forget how to play. I told her, I’m like ice at the net, that’s what I feel like,” said Gauff.