New York City is buzzing for the 2026 US Open, as the mixed doubles and Fan Week drew massive crowds, and now players are taking some time to enjoy the city before the action begins at Flushing Meadows. Last night, Alexandra Eala and Coco Gauff were spotted with several high-profile personalities at a pre-tournament gathering.
Alexandra Eala and Coco Gauff Spotted Together at Exclusive NYC Event Ahead of US Open
Ahead of the US Open, Eala and Gauff took a break from their preparations to enjoy a night out in New York City. A photo shared on social media showed the two stars at a pre-tournament gathering with businessperson and restaurant mogul David Grutman and German model and fashion influencer Caroline Daur.
Eala wore a bright orange halter top with a metallic skirt, while the World No. 4 looked elegant in a classic black slip dress. Grutman often hosts similar events for tennis players before major tournaments.
the girls are slaying ✨️ pic.twitter.com/vL0s49srcR
— . (@milaton_) August 28, 2026
Serena Williams, Taylor Fritz, Aryna Sabalenka, and her fiancé Giorgios Frangulis, Mirra Andreeva, Chris Eubanks, Eva Lys, Matteo Berrettini, and Tommy Paul’s wife, Paige Paul, were also among the guests.
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Meanwhile, Eala also teamed up with close friend Iva Jovic for the ‘Stars of the Open’ exhibition on August 27. The match was moved indoors because of rain, and Eala lost 6-3, but the crowd created an electric atmosphere.
Near the end, the two brought their fathers onto the court for a fun mixed doubles match, ending the exhibition with a hug with their dads. Eala and Jovic also spoke to the packed Arthur Ashe Stadium crowd in their native languages, making the night even more special.
Twelve months ago, Alex Eala celebrated her first Grand Slam main-draw win with an opening-round victory at the US Open, beating Clara Tauson. Although she lost in the second round, her career has taken off since then. The Filipina has broken into the Top 50, then the Top 25, and now the Top 20 ahead of her second US Open appearance.
The 21-year-old also won her first WTA 500-level singles title this year in Washington, D.C., and has recorded seven wins over Top-10 players this season.
Now, as the 17th seed, Eala will have the first-round match against a qualifier. Meanwhile, fresh off her Cincinnati Open win, Gauff, the 4th seed, will face Zeynep Sönmez. The 22-year-old has had several close losses this year, including runner-up finishes in Miami and Rome, as well as three semifinal defeats. She will now look to return to her best and repeat her 2023 triumph in New York.
Interestingly, the draw could set up a third-round meeting with Jovic. The two have faced each other twice on the WTA Tour, with Jovic winning both matches. If Eala continues her run, she could then face two-time Grand Slam champion Gauff in the fourth round.
The main draw at Flushing Meadows begins on August 30.
