Months after becoming one-time doubles’ partners, Filipina sensation Alex Eala and world no. 4 Coco Gauff will face each other for the first time, and in the quarterfinals of the WTA 1000 Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships.
The world no. 47 Eala said she will enjoy the experience of playing a great player like Gauff, when they meet at 11 p.m. on Thursday evening (Manila time) at the tournament’s Center Court in Garhoud.
“Yeah, I think it’s a great opportunity for me. Win or lose tomorrow, I think it’s great for me to learn,” said Eala, in a post-match press conference.
Eala’s winning run stretched into the Round of 16 when she outsteadied the Transylvania Open champion Sorana Cirstea 7-5, 6-4, on Wednesday.
This was after she started her campaign by getting past an injured Hailey Baptiste before ousting and upsetting sixth seed and world no. 8 Jasmine Paolini on Tuesday.
“Obviously, facing a player like Coco is something that people, like, would kill to do. In a quarterfinal here in Dubai, as well. So I’m super excited for that,” said Eala.
In May last year, Eala and Gauff teamed up in the 2025 Italian Open, entering as wildcards and had a successful run to the quarterfinals, where they bowed to Paolini and Sara Errani, 5-7, 6-3, 7-10.
Eala has been looking up to the 21-year-old Gauff as a role model, even before she got a chances to team up with her.
“Coco [Gauff] is such an amazing person, and we tend to forget that she’s just a year older than me! But she’s a great role model for so many, so I’m really excited for that match,” added Eala.
Gauff fought her way out of the Round of 16, after saving three match points before beating Elise Mertens in three sets, 2-6, 7-6(11-9), 6-3,
She took note the big crowd support that Eala enjoyed during game with Cirstea, which Gauff felt from Pinoy fans when they watched play against Mertens.
“I mean, I played a couple people in their home. Well, crowds are mainly for them. Jasmine in Rome, Boisson in Roland Garros. It won’t be the first time. I don’t know. I feel like it’s great for the sport to have this atmosphere. It’s very fun, regardless if the crowd is for you or not,” said Gauff.
