Eala and Gauff fall short in Rome thriller, but Filipino star wins hearts

Dubai: Alexandra Eala’s Italian Open run may have ended in the quarter-finals, but her bond with the Filipino community in Rome — and with doubles partner Coco Gauff — only seems to be growing stronger.

Eala and Gauff came agonisingly close to toppling defending champions Sara Errani and Jasmine Paolini, but ultimately fell short in a gripping three-setter, losing 7-5, 3-6, 10-7 at the WTA-1000 event on Wednesday.

The loss, however, was far from a setback for the 19-year-old Filipina, who has embraced a new chapter in her tennis journey — one that is equal parts resilience, reinvention, and raw talent.

“I felt at home in Rome,” said Eala, acknowledging the large Filipino turnout in the stands. “Thank you so much for the support that you have been giving us this week, and hopefully in our next match, a lot of you will come out and watch.”

Even the 21-year-old Gauff, a Grand Slam winner in singles and doubles, seemed taken aback by the electric atmosphere. “Super happy to play with Alex and hope you guys keep supporting us,” she said.

Their surprise partnership was born not through agents or coaches, but via social media. “She DM’d me on Instagram,” Gauff revealed with a laugh. “We didn’t know each other at all, really. I said ‘Hi’ to her for the first time in Madrid. I just hoped she would be nice — and of course, she’s such a nice person.”

Gauff didn’t hesitate to say yes to the young Filipina’s request, and the duo has clicked ever since. “She’s a killer in doubles — two junior slams, and probably future ones too,” said Gauff. “I’m super happy to play with her.”

And Gauff’s praise isn’t mere flattery. Eala has taken down Grand Slam champions like Madison Keys and Iga Swiatek in singles this year and gave Jessica Pegula a real scare in a Miami semi-final. But after a stinging first-round loss in Rome’s singles event — a 6-0, 6-1 rout by Marta Kostyuk — Eala took a different route: focusing on doubles with Gauff to sharpen her clay-court game ahead of the French Open.

Their chemistry was evident from the start, as they breezed past Aleksandra Panova and Fanny Stollar 6-3, 6-1 in the opening round. And even though the Rome campaign ended in the quarters, Eala’s ability to bounce back, adapt and win hearts is what truly stood out.

So, when Gauff calls her a “killer” on court, it’s not just a compliment. It’s a reflection of Eala’s fearless, game-changing approach — and her growing status as the face of Philippine tennis.