Alexandra Eala is sure to attract a big crowd when she makes her Indian Wells debut on Friday.
Eala has become one of the most popular players on the WTA Tour, with fans flocking to her matches at every event she has participated in this year.
The Filipina, 20, has enjoyed a positive start to 2026 and most recently defeated Jasmine Paolini on her way to the Dubai Tennis Championships quarter-finals.
What is the best win of Alexandra Eala’s career so far? 🤔
Iga Swiatek in Miami, Clara Tauson at the US Open, Jasmine Paolini in Dubai, or a different match?
Eala was eventually stopped in Dubai by Coco Gauff, who subsequently voiced her feelings regarding Eala’s raucous fans.
Now in Indian Wells, Eala has expressed her thoughts on the American star, stating whether she would want to play Gauff again.
Alex Eala always ‘learns a lot’ when she plays Coco Gauff
Speaking to Filipino outlet ABS-CBN, Eala expressed her delight at playing in Indian Wells for the first time, before reflecting on her match with Gauff.
Gauff comfortably defeated Eala 6-0, 6-2 in Dubai. However, Eala has reflected on the experience positively, noting how the match will benefit her moving forward.
To be living my dreams and playing in Indian Wells with a lot of people supporting me is something I’ve dreamed of since I was young,” Eala began.
“I would love to play her again,” Eala said of Gauff. “I think she’s an incredible athlete and an incredible person and she’s a role model for a reason.
“Our last match was great. I think she played amazing and I always learn a lot when I share the court with her, whether it’s practice or a match.”
“If we were ever to meet again, I would love to take those learnings and try to employ them on the court.”
Eala and Gauff could play each other again in Indian Wells. If both players win their opening matches, they will face each other in the third round.
After receiving a bye, Eala will play Dayana Yastremska or Shuai Zhang in the second round.
Gauff, seeded fourth, will play Kamila Rakhimova or 2019 US Open champion Bianca Andreescu.
The pair have also stepped onto court together as teammates, rather than rivals.
In 2025, the pair teamed up for doubles at the Italian Open, where they reached the quarter-finals before losing to Jasmine Paolini and Sara Errani.
Coco Gauff’s Indian Wells debut
In 2021, Coco Gauff made her debut in Indian Wells, reaching the third round.
The American, who had received a bye in the first round, defeated Caroline Garcia before losing to Spanish star Paula Badosa.
After the contest, Badosa said: “I know she’s an amazing player.
Where will Coco Gauff be ranked at the end of 2026?
“She’s going to be even better. But I played her doubles, so more or less I know what I could find today. I know she has an amazing serve. I knew I had to be pretty solid on mine as well.
“An amazing backhand. She’s very athletic as well. So I was expecting a tough match.”
Gauff’s best performance at the tournament to date came in 2024, when she reached the semi-finals before losing to Maria Sakkari.
