Gauff ends Eala’s Dubai dream run

WORLD No. 4 Coco Gauff's power plays proved too much for Alex Eala to overcome as the Filipina tennis star succumbed to a 6-0, 6-2 beating in the quarterfinals of 2026 Dubai Tennis Championships early Friday morning (Manila time) at the Aviation Tennis Centre in Dubai.

Gauff dominated the first set and led by 4-0 in the second as the visibly frustrated Eala committed one error after another.

World No. 40 Eala, however, gave a fightback, started putting more angles and placing more variety on her shots to earn a point, 4-1, making the dominantly Filipino crowd at the venue erupt in jubilation.

With momentum on her side, Eala managed to win again for a 4-2 score but Gauff regained composure and secured a 6-2 win to advance to the semifinal round.

Gauff has nothing but praise for the young ace and her fans.

“Alex is a tough competitor, even though I was up, I know she can comeback like the way she did before,” Gauff said after the match.

“It’s tough playing against a ‘home court’ or a home court. Whenever you guys are cheering for Alex, I am pretending that you’re cheering for my name," she added.

Gauff said Eala brought a new demographic to the game.

“I know you’re mostly supporting Alex, but I have to say it is great to be on a crowded court. I’ve played this tournament for many years and to see this stadium full means a lot,” she said.

“Also, I’d like to thank Alex for bringing a new demographic to the sport, I really appreciate it.... I know sometimes, it’s tough when you’re playing against a ‘home’ crowd, but I think it’s great for the sport, so keep being enthusiastic and keep rooting for your player,” Gauff added.

Gauff and Eala were previously partners in last year’s Italian Open women’s doubles tournament, where they coincidentally reached the quarterfinal round.

Click here to read article