Alex Eala explains why she wants another match against Coco Gauff

Alexandra Eala is expected to draw a large crowd when she makes her Indian Wells debut on Friday.

Eala has quickly become a fan favourite on the WTA Tour, with supporters turning out in strong numbers at every event she’s played so far this season.

The 20-year-old from the Philippines has had a solid start to 2026, highlighted by a win over Jasmine Paolini en route to the quarter-finals of the Dubai Tennis Championships.

Her run in Dubai came to an end against Coco Gauff, who later shared her thoughts on Eala’s passionate fanbase.

Now in Indian Wells, Eala has weighed in on Gauff, discussing whether she’d be open to another match against the American star.

Alex Eala says she always learns something when she faces Coco Gauff

Eala spoke to Filipino outlet ABS-CBN, where she talked about the excitement of making her Indian Wells debut and looked back on her match against Gauff.

Gauff had a straightforward 6-0, 6-2 win over Eala in Dubai. But the Filipina has taken it as a learning experience, believing it will help her as she moves forward.

“To be living my dreams and playing in Indian Wells with a lot of people supporting me is something I’ve dreamed of since I was young,” Eala began.

“I would love to play her again,” Eala said of Gauff. “I think she’s an incredible athlete and an incredible person and she’s a role model for a reason.

“Our last match was great. I think she played amazing and I always learn a lot when I share the court with her, whether it’s practice or a match.”

Eala could get another chance to face Gauff at Indian Wells this year. The two are set to meet in the third round if they both come through their early matches.

Eala, who received a bye into the second round, will take on either Dayana Yastremska or Shuai Zhang next.

The American star has also been involved in doubles competition with Eala once before.

Coco Gauff’s first Indian Wells appearance

It was back in 2021 that Gauff played her first Indian Wells, making it as far as the third round.

After receiving a bye, she beat Caroline Garcia but was then knocked out by Paula Badosa.

Badosa said after the match: “I know she’s an amazing player. She’s going to be even better. But I played her doubles, so more or less I know what I could find today. I know she has an amazing serve. I knew I had to be pretty solid on mine as well.

“An amazing backhand. She’s very athletic as well. So I was expecting a tough match.”

Her best run at the tournament came three years later in 2024 when she reached the semi-finals before falling to Maria Sakkari.

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