Alexandra Eala weighs in on players’ privacy after Coco Gauff’s complaints

Coco Gauff’s outburst during the Australian Open has stirred up a wider conversation about player privacy at major events.

After her defeat to Elina Svitolina, Gauff broke her racket in the players’ tunnel, assuming she was away from the cameras.

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She later spoke out about being filmed, criticising the lack of privacy afforded to top-level players.

Several former professionals have come to Gauff’s defence, and now Alexandra Eala has also spoken up about the issue.

Alexandra Eala speaks up about players’ privacy

In a conversation with The National News, Eala spoke out on the issue of player privacy, a topic that’s gained traction since Gauff’s comments.

The Filipina, who made headlines with her run at the 2025 Miami Open, admitted she’s still adjusting to life under constant surveillance.

Eala said: “I am learning to deal with a lot of, you know, these cameras and a lot of the times when people see me, the phone is the first thing they reach out for. Which is something that I have to adjust to.

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“I do value privacy a lot. I think everyone has the right to their own privacy and sometimes being a public figure, the lines are a little bit blurred.

“Or sometimes I can understand that we don’t have the power to draw our own line. I think everybody should have the right to draw the line of privacy.”

Eala and Gauff know each other well from their time on tour and even teamed up for doubles at the 2025 Italian Open.

Alexandra Eala’s ranking slips following Qatar Open exit

Eala recently broke into the top 40 after a strong showing at the Abu Dhabi Open, but her latest defeat has seen her slip back down the rankings.

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The 20-year-old lost in straight sets to qualifier Tereza Valentova, dropping back to World No. 45 as a result.

Next up for Eala is the Dubai Tennis Championships, a tournament she’s yet to play in her career. It could be an important opportunity for her to climb back up the rankings.

With over 300 points to defend at the Miami Open — where she reached the semi-finals last year — every match will count if she wants to avoid another fall in the standings.

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