Coco Gauff thanks Alex Eala for bringing ‘new demographic’ to tennis

MANILA, Philippines – The huge crowds that Alex Eala attracts in tournaments have become a polarizing topic in tennis.

While players like Novak Djokovic, a 24-time Grand Slam champion, described packed stadiums as a “good problem,” Filipino fans — particularly those new to the sport — have gotten flak on social media for defying tennis etiquette out of excitement to support Eala.

Two-time major winner and world No. 4 Coco Gauff sides with Djokovic.

Gauff welcomed the presence of throngs of fans even if they were rooting against her as she gave Eala the boot in a methodical 6-0, 6-2 win on Thursday, February 19 (Friday, February 20, Manila time) to advance to the semifinals of the Dubai Tennis Championships.

“It is great to be on a crowded court. I’ve played this tournament for many years, and to see the stadium full — that means a lot,” said Gauff. 

“I’d like to thank Alex for bringing a new demographic to the sport. I really appreciate it. I think it’s great. I know sometimes it’s tough when you’re playing against a home crowd, but I think that it’s great for the sport. So, keep being enthusiastic, and keep rooting for your player.”

Gauff said she even used the crowd to her advantage. 

“Whenever you guys are cheering for Alex, I was pretending that it was my name. I think that it helped me a lot,” Gauff said. “If you can’t beat them, you’ve got to join them.” 

Having known Eala on a more personal level, Gauff gets why fans gravitate toward the Filipina, who continues to bring Philippine tennis to new heights following her steady rise in the WTA rankings, having reached a career-high world No. 40.

Eala and Gauff teamed up in doubles play in the 2025 Italian Open. 

“I think tennis needs more of this,” Gauff said in a press conference. “I think it’s great, just to see a nation so proud of someone, especially a nation that is pretty underrepresented in this sport. I think it’s pretty cool to see.”

“You can’t buy that. I see why people want to root for her, and I root for her when I’m not playing her, of course.” – Rappler.com