Alex Eala moved into the Round of 16 of the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells after world no. 4 Coco Gauff had to retire due to an apparent injury.
Alex Eala is through to the Round of 16 of the 2026 BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells after American star Coco Gauff retired in the second set due to an apparent injury to her left arm and shoulder area on Monday, March 9 (PH time).
Eala zoomed to a 5-2 lead in the opening set before the world no. 4 took a medical timeout to have the bothersome left arm attended.
When play resumed, Eala stayed in control, closing out the first set at 6-2, before racing to a 2-0 lead in the second set when Gauff was forced to retire.
The apparent injury seemed to affect Gauff early, as the American struggled with her serve and committed six double faults.
Regardless of the manner of victory, Eala equalized her head-to-head record with Gauff after the Filipina suffered a 2-6, 0-6 loss in Dubai last month.
It also marked the Filipina’s fourth career victory over a top-10 player, adding Gauff to a list that includes Jasmine Paolini, Madison Keys, and Iga Swiatek.
Up next for Eala is 14th seed Linda Nosková, who bounced back from a first-set loss to defeat Sorana Cîrstea, 6-7 (5), 6-4, 6-4.
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Pao Ambat earned his journalism degree from Cavite State University in 2022.
Passionate about sports from a young age, he primarily covers the NBA for One Sports, while also assisting in reporting on the PVL, PBA, UAAP, and other leagues.