Coco Gauff has experienced the Alex Eala effect from the other side of the net.
She has heard Filipino fans turn a neutral tournament into something resembling a home tie. She has watched Eala’s following fill stadiums, introduce new supporters to tennis and transform an ordinary match into an event.
After opening her National Bank Open campaign with a 6-2, 7-5 victory over Kayla Day, Gauff made clear that she sees Eala’s growing influence as something the entire sport should welcome.
“I think the demographic that Alex is bringing to the sport of tennis is so great,” Gauff told reporters in Toronto. “I think all of us should really embrace that, because we’re all benefiting from it.”
The timing carried added weight. Eala arrived in Toronto fresh from her historic Washington run, where she defeated Jessica Pegula to become the first Filipino to win a WTA singles title.
Now Eala and Gauff are navigating the same section of the Canadian Open draw, leaving open the possibility of a quarterfinal meeting.
Coco Gauff Embraces Alex Eala’s Filipino Following
Getty Alexandra Eala of the Philippines celebrates her win against Alycia Parks of the United States during day four of the National Bank Open Presented by Rogers at Sobeys Stadium on August 05, 2026 in Toronto, Ontario.
Gauff first encountered the full force of Eala’s fan base during their Dubai quarterfinal in February. Although Gauff won 6-0, 6-2, the crowd overwhelmingly supported Eala, filling the stadium with chants for the rising Filipina.
Rather than resent the atmosphere, Gauff embraced it.
“Just to see a nation of people who maybe don’t always feel represented in this sport really see themselves out there, I think it’s incredibly inspiring and makes it fun for me to go out there and just play,” Gauff said.
“I honestly gained some fans from her community off that match, which I think was cool.”
That is the larger significance of Eala’s ascent. Her supporters are not merely following results. They are bringing Philippine flags, filling seats and creating a connection to a global sport in which their country has rarely enjoyed representation at the highest level.
Eala reinforced that bond in Washington by defeating Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen, defending champion Leylah Fernandez, Naomi Osaka and Pegula during her maiden title run.
Gauff’s appreciation also extends beyond Eala’s commercial or cultural impact.
“I know Alex personally, and what you guys see on the court is what we see off the court,” Gauff said. “I’m always going to be supporting her, and it was great to see her win in D.C.”
Gauff and Eala Could Meet in Toronto Quarterfinals
GettyCoco Gauff of the United States returns a shot to Kayla Day of the United States during day four of the National Bank Open Presented by Rogers at Sobeys Stadium on August 05, 2026 in Toronto, Ontario.
Eala quickly shifted her attention from celebration to competition, defeating big-serving American Alycia Parks 6-1, 4-6, 6-2 in her Toronto opener.
The No. 25 seed will next face Caty McNally. If Eala advances, she would meet either Taylor Townsend or No. 12 Belinda Bencic for a place in the quarterfinals.
Gauff, the No. 4 seed, faces Maria Sakkari in the round of 32. Her potential fourth-round opponent would be either Iva Jovic or Alina Korneeva.
If both players win twice, they will meet in the last eight.
Their history already carries several layers. Eala and Gauff partnered in doubles at the 2025 Italian Open, reaching the quarterfinals. Gauff later dominated their Dubai meeting, while Eala led 6-2, 2-0 at Indian Wells when Gauff retired because of an arm injury.
A Toronto rematch would feature a more accomplished and confident Eala and another crowd eager to make itself heard.
Gauff would expect nothing less. She already understands that every cheer for Eala represents something larger: a new audience discovering that it also belongs in tennis.
Coco Gauff Makes Feelings Clear on Alex Eala Amid Potential Toronto Clash