IT only took Alex Eala two weeks to figure out the game of Coco Gauff and it carried her to the Round of 16 of the 2026 BNP Paribas Open on Monday.
The 20-year-old Filipina was dominating the world No. 4, 6-2, 2-0, when the American retired after 55 minutes of play with an undisclosed health issue to the surprise of a big Sunday crowd at Stadium 1 in Indian Wells.
READ Eala undaunted by Indian Wells rematch with Gauff
It became apparent as early as the first set that Gauff was dealing with an injury when she called for a medical timeout for treatment on her left hand. She retired for only the second time in his pro career after being broken in his first turn at serve in the second.
“I’m sorry, I hate to do this,” Gauff told Eala at the net, according to the tournament website.
With the win, Eala evened their head-to-head record at 1-1 after absorbing a quarterfinal defeat to Gauff in the Dubai Tennis Championships just two weeks ago and advanced to the fourth round against Linda Noskova of the Czech Republic.
The world No. 14 marched on after a 6(5)-7, 6-4, 6-4 victory over Sorana Cirstea.
Eala, who is expected to crack the Top 30 in the next WTA rankings, was also joined in the 2026 Indian Wells Open by her coach from the Rafa Nadal Academy, Sandro Viaene, while Joan Bosch remains her main coach.
While the world No. 31 was happy to advance, the Filipina admitted she also felt for Gauff, who she considers a friend and a role model after the two teamed up in doubles at last year’s Italian Open.
Eala also made sure to check on her 21-year old opponent before proceeding to the post-match interview.
“Thank you, Coco, for being an amazing competitor and role model," Eala said. “I didn’t want to win this way but I’m grateful and happy.
“Mabuhay mga kababayan, andito tayo sa California.”
From the onset, Gauff looked far from top form as she committed seven double faults right in the first set and converted 43.6 percent of her first serves, giving Eala the opening to break her five times.
Eala, in contrast, was far sharper making 68% of her first serves.
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