NO matter what you want— sometimes, all it takes is the courage to hit ‘send’ on a message to your idol.
Go ask Alex Eala.
The 19-year-old Filipina may have bowed out early in singles after a first-round exit at the 2025 Internazionali BNL d’Italia, but she’s having the time of her life in the doubles draw playing alongside none other than world No. 3 Coco Gauff.
READ Gauff, Eala dominate rivals in Italian Open doubles debut
And it all began with a DM on Instagram.
“I was like, ‘Sure, why not?’” the 21-year-old Gauff said in an interview with tennis.com. “She DM’d me on Instagram and asked me to play. We really didn’t know each other, honestly.”
Now, they’re through to the round of 16 after a dominant 6-3, 6-1 win in their opener on Saturday night against Alexandra Panova and Fanny Stollar.
In past interviews, Eala has been open about her admiration for Gauff, often naming her as one of the players she looks up to.
Gauff also recalled their earliest encounter before becoming unlikely doubles partners.
“I said hi to her for the first time in Madrid or maybe Miami. We may have briefly said hello. I figured she would be nice, so I was just hoping she would be,” Gauff said with a smile. “Obviously, she’s such a nice person.”
The 2023 US Open champion also shared how easy it was to connect with Eala, especially as both are among the younger faces on tour.
“When there are finally people my age on tour, I’m glad to interact. For me, it was a good opportunity to play doubles but also have a relaxed vibe with another player. I’m super happy to play with her.”
And what better way for game to recognize game?
“Obviously, she’s a killer in doubles — two junior slams, and probably some [ITF] Future ones, too,” Gauff added.
They’ll next face the Italian pair of Tyra Grant and Lisa Pigato later this week.
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