Coco Gauff Admits Alexandra Eala ‘Slid In’ to Her DM at Italian Open

One of the brighter, happier tales from the Italian Open was shared by Coco Gauff regarding how she ended up playing doubles with rising Filipina star Alexandra Eala —and all because of a direct message.

“She slid in my DMs and asked me to play. And I was like, ‘Sure. Why not?’” Gauff grinned as she spoke about the spontaneous and cool manner in which the two were matched up for the WTA 1000 Rome tournament.

Gauff, a doubles and singles Grand Slam winner, acknowledged she had not previously met Eala before the tournament. 

“We did not know each other at all, really,” she responded. “Before in Madrid, I said ‘Hi’ to her for the first time.” Gauff added. “I just hoped she would be nice,” she joked, before adding hastily, “and of course she’s such a nice person.”

Gauff also praised Eala’s credentials on the doubles court, referring to her impressive junior record. “She’s a killer in doubles — two junior slams, and probably future ones too,” she said. “I’m super happy to play with her.”

Gauff and Eala bumped with each other 😭 pic.twitter.com/cCxmSgRMbB

— melissamilan (@_melmilan_) May 11, 2025

19-year-old Eala has been on the watchlist of everyone after being one of the brightest young stars in the sport, and her pairing with Gauff is another promising move in her young career. The Rome pair provides a chance to improve, play and enjoy themselves — a respite from an otherwise high-stakes season.

As their new supporters watch on this unlikely couple play, their humble origins are a reminder that some of the greatest pairings do not emerge from an era of great scheming, but from a plain message and love for the game. 

yapper alex eala and yapper coco gauff 😭 pls they’re so cute pic.twitter.com/tPUheyVtZZ

— gee (@geechives) May 10, 2025