In the heart of Rome, where the clay courts of the Foro Italico pulse with tennis fervor, an unexpected doubles partnership has captured the imagination of fans at the 2025 Italian Open. Coco Gauff, the 21-year-old American tennis sensation and world No. 3, and Alexandra Eala, the 19-year-old rising star from the Philippines, have formed a dynamic duo that’s turning heads. Their on-court chemistry is undeniable, but off the court, they’re making waves with a playful plea to fans: ditch the nickname “Team Coachella.”
The story of their partnership began with a modern twist—a direct message on Instagram. Eala, ranked No. 70 and fresh off a semi-final run at the Miami Open, boldly reached out to Gauff, a Grand Slam champion with nine doubles titles, including the 2024 French Open. “She slid in my DMs and asked me to play. And I was like, ‘Sure. Why not?’” Gauff recalled with a smile during a press conference. The two had barely crossed paths before, exchanging only a brief “hi” at the Madrid Open earlier in the season. Yet, Eala’s impressive junior record, including two Grand Slam doubles titles, convinced Gauff to take a chance on the partnership.
Their debut at the Italian Open has been nothing short of electrifying. Entering as a wildcard pair, Gauff and Eala kicked off their campaign with a commanding 6-3, 6-1 victory over Alexandra Panova and Fanny Stollar in the Round of 32. The match, which lasted just an hour, showcased their seamless coordination and relentless energy. Eala’s pinpoint passing shots and Gauff’s powerful serves left their opponents scrambling. In the Round of 16, they faced hometown favorites Tyra Grant and Lisa Pigato, both young Italian wildcards. Despite a spirited fight from the Italians, who tied the second set at 3-3, Gauff and Eala surged ahead, clinching a 6-2, 6-3 win in 66 minutes. Eala sealed the match with a blazing ace, a moment that had the crowd buzzing.
As their success mounted, fans began rallying behind the pair, dubbing them “Team Coachella”—a nod to the famous music festival, blending their names in a catchy but, to the players, ill-fitting moniker. In a joint video message shared on social media, Eala and Gauff expressed gratitude for the support but couldn’t resist addressing the nickname. “Hi everybody, it’s Alex and Coco here,” Eala began, her tone warm and inviting. “Thank you so much for all the support that you’ve been giving us this week, and hopefully in our next match, a lot of you will come out and watch.” Gauff chimed in, her playful side shining through: “Super happy to be playing with Alex, and hope you guys keep supporting us. And we don’t like Team Coachella, so pick a new name.” Eala, laughing, added, “Okay, so another name. Maybe another name.”
The lighthearted exchange has only deepened fans’ affection for the duo, who bring a refreshing blend of talent and camaraderie to the court. Gauff, a seasoned doubles player who reached the Italian Open finals in 2023 and 2024, values the relaxed vibe she shares with Eala. “Obviously, she’s such a nice person,” Gauff said. “When there’s people finally my age on tour, I’m glad to interact. For me, it was a good opportunity to play doubles but also have a relaxed vibe with another player.” Eala, meanwhile, is soaking up the chance to learn from a player of Gauff’s caliber, her junior doubles prowess translating beautifully to the WTA 1000 stage.
Now, the pair faces their toughest challenge yet in the quarterfinals: defending champions Sara Errani and Jasmine Paolini, the No. 3 seeds playing on home soil. The Italian duo, who defeated Gauff and her former partner Erin Routliffe in the 2024 final, are formidable opponents. Yet, Gauff and Eala’s fearless approach and growing synergy make them a wildcard threat. Gauff is also juggling a strong singles campaign, having reached the quarterfinals with a win over Emma Raducanu, setting up a clash with Mirra Andreeva.
As they prepare for their next match, Gauff and Eala are not only chasing a title but also a new nickname that captures their unique spirit. Fans are already brainstorming alternatives, eager to cheer on this unlikely yet captivating partnership. In a tournament filled with high stakes and fierce competition, the Filipina-American tandem is proving that a little boldness—on and off the court—can go a long way.
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