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Alexandra Eala says she's rooting for friend Coco Gauff at U.S. Open
The 21-year-old made the third round at Flushing Meadows, marking her best-ever singles result at the tournament. Her run ended in a thrilling three-set battle against American Iva Jovic, who defeated Eala 7-5, 3-6, 7-5 in front of a packed Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Despite the heartbreaking loss, Eala received a standing ovation from the crowd after her performance, with Filipino fans turning out in force to support the rising star.
A Friendship That Survived a Tough Match
Eala and Jovic entered the third-round match as close friends, making the three-hour battle even more emotional.
The two young stars had already developed a friendship on tour and even shared the court during U.S. Open Fan Week. But once the match began, both players put friendship aside and competed fiercely.
Jovic ultimately pulled away in the deciding set after Eala had built a 4-2 lead. The American won five of the final six games to secure the victory and advance to the fourth round.
Eala Has Gained a New Friend in Gauff
While Eala's tournament ended, another friendship is still alive in New York.
Coco Gauff and Eala have grown close through their time on the professional tour. The two also teamed up in doubles at the 2025 Italian Open, reaching the quarterfinals.
Gauff has spoken warmly about Eala, praising her personality and acknowledging the enormous pressure she carries as one of the Philippines' biggest tennis stars.
“She’s just such a cool, nice girl,” Gauff said of Eala, adding that she has a lot of respect for what her friend is accomplishing.
Now Eala Is Cheering for Coco
With Eala out of the tournament, her support has shifted toward Gauff.
Gauff advanced to the U.S. Open quarterfinals after defeating Jovic 6-1, 6-4, ending the American teenager's run just days after Jovic had defeated Eala.
The result creates an interesting connection for Eala: her friend Gauff eliminated the player who ended her own U.S. Open campaign.
Gauff's run also keeps alive her hopes of winning a second U.S. Open championship and adding another Grand Slam title to her résumé.
Eala Embraces the Pressure
Speaking on CBS Mornings, Eala discussed the attention surrounding her rapid rise and the experience of becoming a major source of pride for Filipino tennis fans.
She acknowledged that the praise and expectations can sometimes feel overwhelming, particularly as she finds herself sharing the spotlight with players she grew up watching.
Eala also reflected on Gauff, noting that although they are close in age, she grew up watching her American friend compete on television.
A Historic Rise Continues
Eala's U.S. Open performance adds another chapter to what has already been a breakthrough season.
Earlier this year, she won the WTA 500 Washington Open, defeating Jessica Pegula in the final for the biggest singles title of her career. She also reached the fourth round at Wimbledon after defeating reigning French Open champion Iga Swiatek.
Her run in New York further established Eala as one of the rising names in women's tennis — and as a player capable of competing with the sport's biggest stars.
For now, she may be watching the rest of the U.S. Open from the sidelines. But with Gauff still in the hunt, Eala has another reason to keep cheering from New York.
And this time, she'll be rooting for a friend.
Source: CBS Mornings
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