Lance Joseph Martinez

Coco Gauff Commends Alex Eala and Filipino Fans After Dubai Quarterfinal Clash

Article (news)

<p>Filipina tennis sensation <strong>Alex Eala</strong> saw her remarkable run at the <strong>Dubai Tennis Championships</strong> come to an end early Friday morning (Philippine time), bowing to former doubles partner <strong>Coco Gauff</strong> in the quarterfinals.</p><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:700px;display:block" width="700"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1771567378433Screenshot 2026-02-20 at 1.54.01 PM.png" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="700"/><span class="fr-inner">Coco Gauff&#x27;s Instagram Story from Alex Eala | Screenshot from @cocogauff</span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><p>The American star delivered a commanding performance, handing Eala a 0–6, 2–6 defeat. Despite the lopsided scoreline, the match capped a breakthrough week for the Filipina standout, who captured global attention with a string of impressive victories leading into the quarters.</p><p>Before facing Gauff, Eala stunned <strong>Jasmine Paolini, </strong>the world No. 8, and overcame <strong>Sorana Cîrstea</strong> (No. 32) and <strong>Hailey Baptiste</strong> (No. 45). Her giant-slaying run underscored her growing presence on the WTA stage and hinted at a promising future among the sport’s elite.</p><div style="text-align:center"><br/></div><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-0" src="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DU8jMxiEbyK/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=1080&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A0%2C%22os%22%3A454417.00000000006%2C%22ls%22%3A453919%2C%22le%22%3A454412.00000000006%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="881" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-0" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><div><strong>Filipino crowd turns Dubai into a home court.</strong></div><p>Even in defeat, the spotlight remained firmly on Eala, who played in front of a crowd that felt more like Manila than Dubai. Filipino fans packed the stands while waving flags, transforming the arena into a sea of national pride.</p><p>Gauff, a two-time Grand Slam singles champion, acknowledged the electric atmosphere and the overwhelming support for her opponent.</p><p>“I know you were 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 the stadium full, it means a lot,” she shared.</p><p>The American star went on to commend Eala’s impact on the sport, highlighting how the Filipina is helping tennis reach new audiences.</p><p>“And also like to thank Alex for bringing a new demographic to the sport. I really appreciate. I think it’s great. I know sometimes it’s tough when you’re playing against a home crowd, but I think that it’s great for the sport. So keep being enthusiastic and keep rooting for your player,” she explained.</p><div style="text-align:center"><br/></div><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-4" src="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DU2hclGEfJs/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=1080&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A4%2C%22os%22%3A568452%2C%22ls%22%3A453919%2C%22le%22%3A454412.00000000006%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="881" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-4" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><div><strong>Gauff stays grounded despite dominant win.</strong></div><p>Despite her decisive victory, Gauff remained reflective about her performance and cautious about complacency heading into the semifinals.</p><p>“I was a bit better today. I could have served a little bit better, but I made it in when it mattered. And yeah, Alex is a tough competitor. And even when I was up, I knew that she could come back at any given moment. I’ve seen her do it before,” she said.</p><div style="text-align:center"><br/></div><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-6" src="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DU8k6XWEb5C/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=1080&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A6%2C%22os%22%3A647632.0000000001%2C%22ls%22%3A453919%2C%22le%22%3A454412.00000000006%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="881" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-6" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><p>The world No. 3 also emphasized how matches like this—fueled by passionate crowds—are exactly what tennis needs to grow globally.</p><p>“I think tennis needs more of this. And yeah, I think it’s great. And just to see a nation so proud of someone, and especially a nation that’s pretty underrepresented in this sport, I think is pretty cool to see.”</p><p>She added heartfelt praise for Filipino supporters, noting their unwavering positivity throughout the match.</p><p>“I think that’s something that, you know, you can’t buy that. So yeah, I definitely, and I see why people want to root for her. And I root for her even when I’m not playing her, of course.”</p><div style="text-align:center"><br/></div><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-2" src="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DU8ehbKjSpm/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=1080&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A2%2C%22os%22%3A485923%2C%22ls%22%3A453919%2C%22le%22%3A454412.00000000006%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="881" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-2" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><div><strong>Eala reflects on lessons from Dubai run.</strong></div><p>For her part, Eala remained candid and introspective after the loss, acknowledging that she could have performed better while still appreciating the progress she has made.</p><p>“I’m happy that I was able to bring out a certain level during the last few games. I think at the end of the day, I definitely could have performed better today,” the Filipina Tennis star said.</p><p>She also spoke about recognizing the gap between her and top-tier players like Gauff, an awareness that fuels her determination to improve.</p><p>“I think she did great and my job is to try and close that gap and I think I’m doing that quite well. So I’ll keep working on it and hopefully next time we’ll be a bit tighter.”</p><p>Beyond the scoreboard, Eala described the tournament as a valuable learning experience, particularly in handling large crowds and high-pressure night matches.</p><p>“This is a new experience for me in terms of crowd, in terms of playing all the night matches. So in each circumstance, there’s so many things that I can learn. So hopefully after this week, I grow more as a player.”</p><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:700px;display:block" width="700"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1771566561668[image] - 4011022.jpeg" style="width:700px;display:block;height:auto" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="700"/><span class="fr-inner">Photo from @alex.eala</span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>What&#x27;s next for Alex?<br/></strong></div><p>Following her Dubai campaign, sports journalist<strong> Dyan Castillejo</strong> confirmed that Eala is set to compete in the prestigious<strong> Indian Wells Open,</strong> which begins March 4 and features a 96-player singles draw. Often dubbed the<strong> “fifth Grand Slam,” </strong>the tournament is historically the most attended event in tennis outside the majors.</p><p>Eala is also listed among the player acceptances for the<strong> Miami Open,</strong> starting March 17, signaling a packed and pivotal stretch in her 2026 season.</p><div><br/></div><p>Lead photos from <strong>@alex.eala, @wta,</strong> and <strong>@coco.gauff_fans</strong></p>

<p>“It’s great to be on a crowded court,” said American Tennis Supertar Coco Gauff after her match against Alex Eala, as Filipino fans packed the Dubai Tennis Championships. </p>

“It’s great to be on a crowded court,” said American Tennis Supertar Coco Gauff after her match against Alex Eala, as Filipino fans packed the Dubai Tennis Championships.