Coco Gauff thanks Alex Eala for bringing ‘new demographic’ to tennis

Two-time main winner and world No. 4 Coco Gauff, who has performed with and towards Alex Eala, will get why followers gravitate towards the Filipina

MANILA, Philippines – The massive crowds that Alex Eala attracts in tournaments have turn into a polarizing subject in tennis.

Whereas gamers like Novak Djokovic, a 24-time Grand Slam champion, described packed stadiums as a “good drawback,” Filipino followers — significantly these new to the game — have gotten flak on social media for defying tennis etiquette out of pleasure to help Eala.

Two-time main winner and world No. 4 Coco Gauff sides with Djokovic.

Gauff welcomed the presence of throngs of followers even when they had been rooting towards her as she gave Eala the boot in a methodical 6-0, 6-2 win on Thursday, February 19 (Friday, February 20, Manila time) to advance to the semifinals of the Dubai Tennis Championships.

“It’s nice to be on a crowded court docket. I’ve performed this event for a few years, and to see the stadium full — which means so much,” mentioned Gauff. 

“I’d prefer to thank Alex for bringing a brand new demographic to the game. I actually admire it. I feel it’s nice. I do know generally it’s powerful once you’re enjoying towards a house crowd, however I assume that it’s nice for the game. So, hold being enthusiastic, and hold rooting in your participant.”

Gauff mentioned she even used the group to her benefit. 

“Everytime you guys are cheering for Alex, I used to be pretending that it was my title. I feel that it helped me so much,” Gauff mentioned. “In the event you can’t beat them, you’ve obtained to hitch them.” 

Having recognized Eala on a extra private degree, Gauff will get why followers gravitate towards the Filipina, who continues to convey Philippine tennis to new heights following her regular rise within the WTA rankings, having reached a career-high world No. 40.

Eala and Gauff teamed up in doubles play within the 2025 Italian Open. 

“I feel tennis wants extra of this,” Gauff mentioned in a press convention. “I feel it’s nice, simply to see a nation so happy with somebody, particularly a nation that’s fairly underrepresented on this sport. I feel it’s fairly cool to see.”

“You may’t purchase that. I see why individuals wish to root for her, and I root for her after I’m not enjoying her, in fact.” – Rappler.com