Alex Eala shares thoughts on Coco Gauff rematch at Indian Wells

Alexandra Eala showed her usual fighting spirit on Friday, coming back from a break down in the final set to get past Dayana Yastremska.

It was a demanding contest between the Ukrainian’s power and the relentless energy of the Filipina rising star, who again had plenty of support behind her.

Yastremska served for the match in the third set, but Eala found another gear to come back from 5-2 down and seal an impressive win.

That victory sets up a rematch with Coco Gauff, less than a month after Eala was comprehensively beaten by her in Dubai.

Alex Eala talks about Coco Gauff rematch at Indian Wells

Speaking to the media after her win, Eala was in a good mood, but she stayed cautious when talking about her upcoming match with Gauff, especially after the heavy defeat last time out, 6-0, 6-2.

She spoke positively about the challenge ahead: “No, I’m excited, like I said the other day when you asked me. It was a tough match for me last time. I think she played really well. So all I can do is take the learnings that I have from our last match and try to implement that in our next one, yeah.”

Eala then addressed what it would be like facing an American star on home soil:

“Well, it’s not my first huge match. I think it’s definitely going to be a tough one. Coco is an amazing player and playing at home. I’m expecting, you know, a big crowd to rally behind her just because she’s amazing.

“But it’s like every other match. You know today I had to dig really deep so I’m expecting that the next match I have to do even more so you know so I’m ready and yeah looking forward to it.”

Eala already has reason to feel confident about getting further into Indian Wells this year after tournament organisers made a smart call regarding her doubles schedule alongside partner Iva Jovic.

Alex Eala proves why she’s one of tennis’ most clutch players

Eala never seems to make matches easy for herself, but that is part of her charm.

If you’re lucky enough to squeeze yourself into a stadium where she is playing, you can always expect drama.

Despite taking the opening set, it was Yastremska who seemed on track to claim the victory, having won the second set and led the third by a single break.

However, as she served for the match, Eala produced some of her most fearless tennis, then went on to hold serve and break again to claim the match.

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