Coco Gauff says Alexandra Eala faces greater pressure as Philippine trailblazer

BBC Sport reports that world number four Coco Gauff believes Alexandra Eala is carrying a level of pressure she cannot fully share, with the 21-year-old becoming the first Filipino woman to clear several major barriers in professional tennis. Gauff spoke after Eala's run at the US Open ended in the third round.

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Eala lost to Iva Jovic after beating Mary Stoiana and Oleksandra Oliynykova to reach that stage. She became emotional while discussing the scale of the support she receives from the Philippines. Gauff, who has played doubles with Eala, is due to face Jovic in the fourth round.

The 22-year-old American said her own experience differs because the United States has produced many sporting icons who opened doors before her. Gauff, a two-time Grand Slam champion, said she could relate to the expectation that accompanies every match but not fully to Eala's position as a national pioneer.

Eala became the first Filipino player to win a WTA singles title last month and has climbed to 18th in the world rankings. On her US Open debut last year, she became the first player from the Philippines to win a match in the Open era. She also reached the fourth round at Wimbledon this year.

Her rise included a second WTA 125 singles title in Birmingham in June, followed by her first WTA 500 crown at the Washington Open. After Wimbledon, Eala returned to Manila for a reception held in her honour by Philippine president Ferdinand Marcos at Malacanang Palace. Filipino flags and supporters have also become increasingly visible at her matches.

Gauff compared Eala's significance in the Philippines with the status of boxer Manny Pacquiao and said the attention surrounding every result adds to the burden. She expressed respect for what Eala is achieving and concluded that, from her perspective, the Filipino carries more pressure than she does.