Coco Gauff has reached the quarterfinals of the 2026 Dubai Tennis Championships, marking her fourth appearance at this stage of the tournament. She will face Alexandra Eala in the quarterfinals. After securing her place in the final‑eight match, the former world No. 2 engaged in lighthearted banter with the Filipina’s fans who were present in the arena.
The exchange between Gauff and the Filipino fans stemmed from the delay in seeing Eala play, as she was scheduled to compete after Gauff in the WTA 1000 hard‑court tournament in Dubai.
Coco Gauff Apologizes to Alexandra Eala Fans Ahead of Their Dubai Tennis Championships QF Clash
Gauff, seeded third at the 2026 Dubai Tennis Championships, began her campaign in the second round after receiving a first‑round bye. In her opening match, she defeated Anna Kalinskaya 6‑4, 6‑4 and advanced to the quarterfinals against Eala by overcoming Elise Mertens 2‑6, 7‑6 (9), 6‑3 in the third round.
Gauff’s match against Mertens lasted two hours and 18 minutes. During the contest, the two‑time Grand Slam singles champion saved three match points, marking the first time she has done so in a tour‑level victory since 2021. Despite securing the win, Gauff recorded 16 double faults and 63 unforced errors.
In her post‑match on‑court interview, Gauff expressed satisfaction with saving match points and winning. She then apologized to Eala’s fans for the lengthy match, which delayed their opportunity to see the Filipina player compete on the same court shortly after.
“I don’t even remember the last time I saved match points, so probably when I was like 15. But I’m really happy to get through today, it was a long one. I know you guys are probably here for Alex. So I’m sorry to make you wait,” Gauff said.
MORE: Alexandra Eala vs Coco Gauff Preview: Head-to-Head, Prediction for Dubai Tennis Championships 2026
Gauff still thanked spectators for their support.
“But if I’m not mistaken, I think that some of you guys were cheering for me, so I appreciate it a lot. I hope you guys enjoy the next match, but thank you for cheering for me for now,” she added.
Coco Gauff to the Alex Eala fans after her win over Mertens in Dubai
“I know you guys are probably here for Alex so I’m sorry to make you wait. 😭 If I’m not mistaken I think some of you guys are cheering for me so I appreciate it a lot” 😂😂😂😂 pic.twitter.com/C1eIVKv4ww
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) February 18, 2026
Gauff and Eala have never faced each other on the WTA Tour, making their upcoming match at the 2026 Dubai Tennis Championships their first encounter. The winner will advance to face either seventh seed Elina Svitolina or lucky loser Antonia Ružić in the semifinals.
