MusaGet ready for fireworks in Rome! Coco Gauff and Alex Eala are set to face off in what promises to be one of the most intriguing showdowns of the tournament — but it’s not all about rivalry. It turns out, this match-up comes with a side of friendship and a fascinating backstory.
After booking her spot in the next round, Gauff opened up about how her partnership with Eala — both as practice buddies and mutual motivators — first began. “It started a few years ago,” Gauff said with a smile. “We were both juniors grinding at the same events, and I just remember thinking, ‘This girl’s game is clean.’ We’ve stayed in touch ever since.”
Their bond has quietly blossomed behind the scenes, with the two often hitting together in training blocks and offering each other advice. But now, friendship takes a back seat as they square off on Rome’s red clay with quarter-final glory on the line.
For Eala, it’s a career milestone — her first deep run at a WTA 1000. For Gauff, it’s about maintaining momentum and asserting her status as one of the top contenders. But make no mistake: neither player is taking the other lightly.
It’s youth vs. youth, talent vs. talent, and bestie vs. bestie — with a spot in the spotlight at stake. Rome, brace yourself. This one’s got drama written all over it.
Musa
Olaniyi Ayoola
