Coco Gauff admitted she could not fully understand the pressure Alex Eala carries as a trailblazer for Philippine tennis, but the American star has nothing but respect for what her friend has accomplished.
Gauff was asked about Eala after defeating Cristina Bucsa, 6-3, 6-4, in the third round of the US Open on Sunday morning in Manila, as Eala was simultaneously battling Iva Jovic in a separate third-round match at Flushing Meadows.
While Gauff advanced to the fourth round, Eala’s run came to an end after her good friend Jovic prevailed, 5-7, 6-3, 4-6, denying the two a chance to meet in the next round.
Gauff, however, believes Eala’s journey carries a weight she cannot entirely relate to, particularly because of the barriers the Filipina has broken as the country’s first player to reach several historic milestones in tennis.
“No, I can’t at all. Because she’s the first Filipino player to break a lot of the barriers that she’s done, especially on the female side,” Gauff said.
“When you speak of athletes from the Philippines, she’s doing similar things to what Manny Pacquiao is doing for her country.”
Gauff explained that growing up in the United States gave her access to a long line of icons who had already opened doors for tennisters like her.
“I’m lucky to be from the U.S. where we had a lot of icons to look up to. People who have already broken down doors for me to be here where I am. I can’t empathize in that aspect,” she said.
The three-time Grand Slam winner admitted she could relate to one part of Eala’s experience — the expectations that come with being a highly touted athlete — but still believes the Filipina faces greater pressure.
“The only way I can is maybe just like the hype of everyone expecting you to win every single match. I guess I can empathize from that standpoint,” Gauff said.
“But I definitely think she has more pressure; from the outside looking in, she has more pressure.”
Beyond their respective careers, Gauff and Eala have also developed a friendship that began to grow when they became doubles partners at the 2025 Italian Open.
Gauff recalled getting to know Eala and her family better, noting the similarities between their backgrounds and support systems.
“As far as our relationship, Alex and I are friends. Her family reminds me so much of mine. She has a brother (Miko). Both of her parents are usually with her at tournaments,” Gauff said.
“She’s just such a cool, nice girl and someone I’d like to get to know even more.”
The two also recently shared a dinner in Toronto, giving Gauff another opportunity to learn more about Eala away from the court.
Gauff’s US Open campaign will continue in the fourth round against Jovic, while Eala leaves New York after another significant run that further strengthened her standing among the sport’s rising stars.
For Gauff, Eala’s achievements extend beyond wins and rankings. They also represent doors being opened for the generation of Filipino tennis players that will follow.
“I have a lot of respect for her and what she’s doing. But I can’t really empathize. I feel like she has more pressure than I do.”
