On May 10, 2025, the clay courts of Rome’s Foro Italico buzzed with excitement as Coco Gauff, the world No. 3 and 2023 US Open champion, teamed up with rising Filipino star Alexandra Eala for an electrifying doubles debut at the Internazionali BNL d’Italia. The wildcard duo delivered a commanding 6-3, 6-1 victory over Alexandra Panova and Fanny Stollar in the Round of 32, advancing to the Round of 16 in just over an hour. What makes this partnership particularly captivating is its origin story: a simple Instagram direct message from Eala to Gauff that sparked an unexpected collaboration. “She DM’d me on Instagram. She slid in my DMs and asked me to play,” Gauff revealed with a smile, recounting the spontaneous moment that brought them together. This modern twist on forming a tennis alliance has fans and analysts buzzing, as the duo’s chemistry and potential signal a thrilling chapter in the Rome Open.
A Spontaneous Alliance
Gauff, a 21-year-old American with nine doubles titles, including the 2024 French Open with Katerina Siniakova, had largely focused on singles this season, making her doubles return a surprise. Her only prior doubles outing in 2025 was a quarterfinal run with Robin Montgomery at the Madrid Open. Eala, a 19-year-old prodigy ranked No. 70, brought her own pedigree, having won junior doubles titles at the 2020 Australian Open and 2021 French Open. Despite a crushing 6-0, 6-1 singles loss to Marta Kostyuk in Rome, Eala’s bold outreach to Gauff offered a fresh opportunity to shine. “I was like, ‘Sure, why not?’” Gauff said, reflecting on her decision to accept Eala’s invitation. “We really didn’t know each other, honestly, before Madrid. I said hi to her for the first time in Madrid or maybe Miami, we may have briefly said hello.”
A Dominant Debut
The pair’s first-round performance was a testament to their complementary styles. Gauff’s aggressive net play and powerful serves paired seamlessly with Eala’s tactical precision, overwhelming their opponents. “She’s a killer in doubles — two junior slams, and probably future ones too,” Gauff praised, highlighting Eala’s credentials and potential. The victory sets up a Round of 16 clash against Italians Lisa Pigato and Tyra Grant, a formidable duo with junior Grand Slam titles. The matchup, scheduled for May 13, promises to test Gauff and Eala against a home crowd favorite, adding intrigue to their campaign.
A Refreshing Dynamic
For Gauff, the partnership is a refreshing change of pace. A doubles veteran who reached the 2022 French Open final with Jessica Pegula and finished as Rome runner-up in 2023 and 2024, she values the relaxed vibe Eala brings. “When there’s people finally my age on tour, I’m glad to interact,” Gauff said, noting the camaraderie with the younger player. “For me, it was a good opportunity to play doubles but also have a relaxed vibe with another player.” Eala, navigating the pressures of her WTA 1000 doubles debut, benefits from Gauff’s experience, especially after her singles setback. The Filipino star, who reached semifinals in Canberra and Miami this year, sees Rome as preparation for her French Open main draw debut later in May.
Challenges Ahead
The Gauff-Eala pairing faces a tough road ahead, with defending champions Sara Errani and Jasmine Paolini, seeded third, looming in their quarter. Top seeds Erin Routliffe and Gabriela Dabrowski, along with second seeds Katerina Siniakova and Zhang Shuai, further intensify the competition. Yet, the duo’s synergy and fearless approach make them a dark horse to watch. “I encouraged her to play when she could,” Gauff said of Eala, noting how doubles can alleviate the stress of high-stakes singles play. This mentorship dynamic, combined with their shared hunger for success, fuels optimism for a deep run.
A Partnership to Watch
As Gauff balances her singles campaign—facing Emma Raducanu in the fourth round on May 12—the doubles partnership with Eala adds a vibrant subplot to her Rome journey. For Eala, it’s a chance to learn from a Grand Slam champion and showcase her talent on a global stage. Their collaboration, born from a bold Instagram DM, embodies the spontaneity and excitement of modern tennis, captivating fans with its blend of star power and youthful ambition. As they prepare for their next challenge, Gauff and Eala are proving that sometimes, a simple message can spark a partnership poised to make waves.
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