Coco Gauff reveals how she joined forces with Alexandra Eala for doubles at the Italian Open

America’s World No. 3 Coco Gauff recently peeled back the curtain on her unexpected doubles partnership with rising Filipina star Alexandra Eala at the Italian Open. The 21-year-old, chasing her first WTA title of the season, found herself without a doubles ally after longtime partner Jessica Pegula stepped back due to scheduling fatigue. Now, as Gauff shines in singles (reaching the quarterfinals) and advances in doubles (Round of 16) in Rome, she’s unveiled the surprising story behind her new on-court collaboration—one that started with a simple social media exchange.

Inside Coco Gauff and Alexandra Eala’s unexpected alliance

The partnership began not on the court, but in the digital realm. Eala, a 19-year-old phenom from the Philippines, slid into Gauff’s Instagram DMs with a bold request:

“Do you want to play doubles?” Gauff, known for her easygoing demeanor, didn’t hesitate. “I was like, ‘Sure. Why not?’” she revealed to reporters.

Despite crossing paths just once before—a brief greeting at the Madrid Open—their chemistry was untested, but their potential undeniable.

Coco Gauff admitted the duo were virtual strangers before Rome. “We did not know each other at all, really,” she confessed. Their sole prior interaction? A quick “Hi” in Madrid, where Gauff marched to the final while Alexandra Eala exited early. Yet, the American was impressed by Eala’s pedigree: two junior Grand Slam doubles titles and a reputation as a “killer” on the court.

“She’s got the trophies—and probably more coming,” Gauff praised.

Instant synergy

The gamble paid off instantly. In their debut match, Gauff and Eala dismantled Alexandra Panova and Fanny Stollar 6-3, 6-1, showcasing seamless coordination and tactical flair. Their next challenge? A showdown against Italian wildcards Tyra Grant and Lisa Pigato. For Eala, the partnership offers a chance to learn from a top-tier player; for Gauff, it’s a refreshing pivot from the pressures of singles.

Balancing acts

While Coco Gauff thrives in both draws—toppling Emma Raducanu to reach the singles quarterfinals—Alexandra Eala’s singles run ended abruptly with a first-round loss to Marta Kostyuk. Yet, the doubles stage has become her redemption arc, proving that mentorship and spontaneity can spark success.

Why this pairing resonates

Gauff’s willingness to embrace the unknown reflects her growth as a player and leader. For Eala, sharing the court with a Grand Slam finalist accelerates her transition from junior prodigy to WTA contender. Together, they embody the global, interconnected spirit of modern tennis—where a DM can ignite a partnership as swiftly as a match point.

As Coco Gauff eyes singles glory and doubles breakthroughs, her alliance with Alexandra Eala adds intrigue to an already thrilling Italian Open. Whether this duo becomes a long-term force or a fleeting experiment, their story is a testament to trust, ambition, and the power of a well-timed message.