At the Foro Italico in Rome, rising tennis star Alexandra Eala had a moment to shine alongside seasoned player Coco Gauff as they fulfilled their media obligations following a successful doubles partnership. Hologic WTA Tour communications manager Teyva Sammet humorously acknowledged the excitement that comes with having a “superstar team,” highlighting the significance of the duo’s collaboration.
Despite Eala’s relative inexperience compared to Gauff, who is a Grand Slam champion and currently ranked world No. 2, the two players bonded quickly, sharing laughter reminiscent of longtime friends. Their first official meeting took place earlier this year at the Miami Open, where Eala made a remarkable entrance into the WTA 1000 semifinals at just 19 years old.
Gauff expressed her admiration for Eala, praising her personality and work ethic. “She seems chill. She seems like she’s working hard, so I don’t have any advice for her just because she seems relaxed,” Gauff noted. She even encouraged Eala to consider more doubles play, which Gauff credits for helping her navigate the pressures of the sport.
This mutual support underscores a positive camaraderie within the tennis world, particularly among young athletes. Eala’s journey is inspiring, and it appears that her partnership with Gauff could be a stepping stone for her future success in the sport. The encouragement from established players like Gauff could be invaluable as Eala continues to develop her skills and confidence on the professional circuit.