Metro Manila, Philippines – Alex Eala advanced to the 2026 Indian Wells Open Round of 16 after Coco Gauff retired in their Round of 32 clash on Monday, March 9, in California, USA.
The 20-year-old Filipino tennis ace clearly dominated the contest, winning the first set 6-2 and holding a 2-0 lead in the second set before the American star decided to retire in under 55 minutes of action. This marked only the second retirement in Gauff’s professional career, with the first one happening in 2022.
Gauff received medical attention on her left arm during the changeover in the first set while trailing Eala, 2-5.
With the victory, Eala exacted revenge on Gauff following her loss in the Dubai Tennis Championships just two weeks ago.
Eala will next face world No. 14 Linda Noskova of Czechia on March 11 for a seat in the quarterfinals of the prestigious WTA 1000 tournament.
