Alex Eala has proven she is a fast learner.
Just two weeks after being drubbed by American superstar Coco Gauff in straight sets in Dubai, Eala made the necessary adjustments to dominate the opening set before Gauff retired in the second set.
Eala prevailed, 6-2, 2-0 (retired), to advance to the fourth round of the WTA BNP Paribas Open on Monday.
Gauff drew first blood by breaking Eala in the opening game of the first set. Eala then responded with a service break of her own, but found herself trailing again after the third game.
The turning point came in the fourth game, with Gauff looking to surge ahead. Eala showed she would not fold easily, relentlessly attacking Gauff’s second serves to break the American once more after four deuces.
Eala stayed toe-to-toe in the rallies and mixed her attacks with slices and drop shots to throw Gauff off rhythm. She finally held serve in the fifth game, then claimed the next three games to build a 5-2 lead.
Gauff took a medical timeout, but it did little to slow Eala’s momentum as the Filipina closed out the set in the eighth game after 45 minutes of play.
“I really did not want to win this way, but this is still a big moment for me to be able to play in Stadium 1 of Indian Wells against such a great competitor. I’m grateful to be here, and I’m super happy,” said Eala.
The second set lasted only two games as Gauff was forced to retire due to an injury to her left arm.
The abbreviated finish does not take away from Eala’s impressive performance, as she secured arguably the second biggest win of her career after her victory over world No. 2 Iga Swiatek at last year’s Miami Open.
Eala broke Gauff five times — a rare feat against the world No. 4 and two-time Grand Slam champion, who was unable to hold serve in the match. Eala also did not commit a single double fault.
“I just do my best to be humble and keep my feet on the ground because I am surrounded by so many amazing players. Tennis is really a humbling sport because you really learn how to lose and be self-aware. I owe it all to tennis,” added Eala.
Eala advances to the fourth round of a WTA 1000 event for the third time in her career and the second time in three weeks.
She will next face 14th seed Linda Noskova of the Czech Republic. The two previously met twice in the junior ranks, with Eala winning both matches.
