Beyond her Indian Wells victory against Coco Gauff, Alex Eala paid tribute to the women who helped shape her journey — most importantly her mother, Rizza.
For Alex Eala, the moment called for more than just a celebration.
Under the bright lights of Stadium 1 at the 2026 BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, the Filipina tennis star paused after one of the biggest victories of her young career and looked toward the stands.
[RELATED: Alex Eala through to Indian Wells Round of 16 as Coco Gauff retires due to injury]
Amid the sea of Filipino flags and supporters who turned "Tennis Paradise" into a mini home crowd, one familiar face stood out for Eala — her mother, Rizza.
“I want to say thank you to all the incredible women who have paved the way and advocated for themselves and for other women,” Eala said during her on-court interview after beating Coco Gauff via retirement, 6-2, 2-0.
Then came the message that clearly meant the most.
“I also want to say happy Women’s Day to my mom who is there in the stands,” she bared.
“I want to thank her for being the amazing woman that she is and for helping me become the woman that I am,” Eala continued.
Still a big moment
Earlier, Eala had secured a place in the Round of 16 after the world no. 4 Gauff was forced to retire due to an apparent injury. The American took a medical timeout late in the first set to attend to her left arm.
While the ending was not the way she envisioned it, especially as Eala avenged her earlier loss to Gauff in Dubai last month, the Filipina still recognized the magnitude of the moment.
“I really didn't wanna win this way but this is still really a big moment for me to be able to play in Stadium 1 of Indian Wells against such a great competitor,” Eala said. “I'm really grateful to be here and I'm super happy.”
The match marked the second meeting between the two players in just 18 days, with Gauff dominating their previous encounter in the Dubai Tennis Championships, 6-2, 6-0.
This time, however, the tide turned.
After a competitive opening stretch, Eala seized control midway through the first set, stringing together four straight games to take it 6-2.
Eala maintained the pressure in the second set, quickly surging to a 2-0 lead before the American was unable to continue.
The result sent the Filipina lefty into the Round of 16, where Eala will face 14th seed Linda Nosková for a place in the quarterfinals.
Despite the unusual finish, Eala wished Gauff well.
“I really hope that everything is well and that you recover soon,” she said of the American.
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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.