Coco Gauff and Alexandra Eala were on course for a high-profile quarterfinal showdown at the 2026 Canadian Open. However, while the American advanced to the final eight, Eala’s run came to an end in the fourth round as she fell short against Belinda Bencic.
Although their highly anticipated clash will not materialize at the WTA 1000 event in Toronto, Gauff candidly shared her thoughts on Eala’s personality and the new audience the Filipina has brought to the sport.
Coco Gauff Praises Alexandra Eala for Being a ‘Great Role Model’
As she continues her hunt for her first title of the season at the Canadian Open, Gauff advanced to the quarterfinals after securing a 6-3, 6-1 win over qualifier Alina Korneeva. During her post-match conference, the American discussed both of her potential quarterfinal opponents at the WTA 1000 event.
The world No. 4 welcomed the legions of Filipino fans that Eala has brought to tennis, while recalling her electric experience of competing against the 21-year-old this season.
While Gauff claimed a 6-0, 6-2 victory in their first meeting at the Dubai Tennis Championships, Eala triumphed 6-2, 2-0 in their Indian Wells showdown after the American was forced to retire due to an arm injury.
“I think, like I said before, like, the demographic that she brings to the sport of tennis is something we all benefit from. I played her in Dubai and that was, it felt like we were in the Philippines. I thought it was so fun to play in that crowd,” Gauff said.
“I played her at Indian Wells, and it felt like it was a little bit more American-leaning that match. I didn’t get to finish it, unfortunately. So I guess, yeah, if we were to play, I would look forward to being able to play another complete match. I’m sure it will be a similar atmosphere as Dubai as it would be here,” she added.
Gauff also hailed Eala as an excellent role model, emphasizing her respect for how the Filipina remains true to herself both on and off the court.
“But, yeah, I think what she’s doing for the sport of tennis is great. I think she’s a great role model for people to look up to,” she said. “I said it the last time: What you guys see on camera is who she is off court. That’s something I really respect when someone is who they are at all times.”
Following Eala’s loss, Gauff is set to lock horns with Bencic in the final eight, just weeks after the American sealed a 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 comeback win in their Wimbledon battle.
Although the world No. 4 enjoys a 6-2 lead in their head-to-head record, she described Bencic as a particularly tough opponent, given that most of their matches have gone the distance. Gauff also suggested that fast court conditions in Toronto could favor the Swiss star.
“Yeah, I feel like we played each other so many times over the last year or so. Obviously the match at Wimbledon was, again, a nail biter. I feel like every time we play it’s three sets,” she said.
“She’s really a tough opponent for me. Playing her here would be a little, I don’t know how it would be, honestly. I think the court’s a little bit faster, so it might favor her a little bit more. But, I think either way it will be a tough match, and I’m looking forward to it,” she added.
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If Coco Gauff emerges victorious against Belinda Bencic, she will take on either No. 2 seed Elena Rybakina or No. 11 seed Naomi Osaka in a high-profile semifinal battle at the Canadian Open.
