Gauff Says Eala Carries Unique Pressure as Philippine Tennis Pioneer

Coco Gauff says Alexandra Eala is carrying a distinctive burden as the leading figure in Philippine women’s tennis, acknowledging that her own experience does not fully match the expectations surrounding the 21-year-old. BBC Sport reported Gauff’s comments after Eala’s run at the US Open ended in the third round.

Watch the highlights:

Eala defeated Mary Stoiana and Oleksandra Oliynykova to reach that stage before losing to Iva Jovic. She became emotional while discussing the backing she receives from supporters in the Philippines, where her rise has made her a prominent national sports figure. Gauff, the world No. 4, was then asked whether she could relate to that pressure.

Gauff said she could not completely empathise because Eala is the first Filipino player to break many of the barriers she has crossed, particularly on the women’s side. The 22-year-old American, a two-time Grand Slam champion who has played doubles with Eala, compared the Filipino’s national significance to that of boxing great Manny Pacquiao.

The American also noted that she grew up in a country with established tennis icons who had already opened doors for later players. Gauff said the area she could understand was the expectation that accompanies intense attention, with supporters anticipating victory in every match. She added that, from her perspective, Eala faces greater pressure.

Eala’s recent results have reinforced her status as a trailblazer. She became the first Filipino to win a WTA singles title last month and has risen to No. 18 in the world rankings. At her US Open debut last year, she became the first player from the Philippines to win a match at the tournament during the Open era.

Her 2026 season has also included a fourth-round appearance at Wimbledon, a second WTA 125 singles title in Birmingham in June and her first WTA 500 championship at the Washington Open. After Wimbledon, Eala returned to the Philippines for a reception hosted by President Ferdinand Marcos at Malacanang Palace in Manila.

Gauff was scheduled to face Jovic in the US Open fourth round following the American teenager’s victory over Eala. Whatever the next result, Gauff’s assessment underlined how Eala’s achievements have extended beyond rankings and trophies, as Filipino flags and supporters have become an increasingly visible presence at her matches.