Coco Gauff explains why she has been apologising to doubles partner Alexandra Eala after competing at the Italian Open

Coco Gauff, the world No. 3 and 2023 US Open champion, has been making waves at the 2025 Italian Open, not only with her stellar singles performance but also through an unexpected and vibrant doubles partnership with rising Filipina star Alexandra Eala. The duo, who joined forces after a spontaneous Instagram DM from Eala, reached the doubles quarterfinals in Rome, showcasing impressive chemistry despite their limited time playing together. However, Gauff has been candid about her struggles to rediscover her doubles rhythm, frequently apologizing to the 19-year-old Eala for mistakes at the net, where she humorously likened herself to “a deer on ice.” Their partnership, marked by mutual respect and playful camaraderie, has captivated fans and added a refreshing narrative to the WTA 1000 event.

The Gauff-Eala partnership began with a bold move from Eala, who slid into Gauff’s Instagram DMs to propose playing doubles in Rome. “She slid in my DMs and asked me to play. And I was like, ‘Sure. Why not?’” Gauff recounted with a grin, noting that the two had only exchanged a brief “hi” at the Madrid Open prior to teaming up. Eala, ranked No. 70 and the highest-ranked Filipina in WTA history, brought a strong doubles pedigree, having won junior Grand Slam titles at the 2020 Australian Open and 2021 French Open. Gauff, a former doubles world No. 1 and 2024 French Open doubles champion with Katerina Siniakova, was intrigued by Eala’s aggressive style and junior accolades. “She’s a killer in doubles, two junior Slams and probably future ones too,” Gauff praised, highlighting the potential she saw in her new partner.

Their Italian Open campaign started with a bang, as the wildcard duo dismantled Alexandra Panova and Fanny Stollar 6-3, 6-1 in the round of 32, followed by a 6-2, 6-3 victory over Italian wildcards Tyra Grant and Lisa Pigato in the round of 16. However, their run ended in a tight quarterfinal loss to third seeds Jasmine Paolini and Sara Errani, 5-7, 6-3, 10-7, on home soil. Gauff, who has scaled back her doubles commitments since parting with longtime partner Jessica Pegula after the 2024 Paris Olympics, admitted to feeling rusty. “In our match yesterday, she definitely got MVP for that. I was just kind of there,” Gauff said after their round of 16 win, crediting Eala’s speed and court coverage. “I told her sometimes I forget how to play because it’s been a while. I’m like a deer on ice at the net, that’s what I feel like. Many times I’ve apologized to her, but she’s quick, she’s fast, so she’s there to cover me.”

Gauff’s apologies stem from her reduced doubles play in recent years, a shift driven by her focus on singles, where she reached the Rome semifinals with a 6-4, 7-6(5) win over Mirra Andreeva. Her singles success, including a runner-up finish in Madrid, has kept her in the spotlight, but the doubles court offered a more relaxed vibe, thanks to Eala’s infectious energy. “Chemistry has been great. She is super great and super fun,” Gauff said, praising Eala’s aggressive doubles style, which complemented her own game. The pair’s off-court bond also shone through, as they playfully rejected the fan-coined nickname “Team Coachella” in a joint video message. “We don’t like Team Coachella, so pick a new name,” Gauff urged, with Eala adding, “Okay, so another name. Maybe another name. Okay, bye.”

For Eala, the partnership was a golden opportunity to learn from a Grand Slam champion, especially after a tough singles loss to Marta Kostyuk, 6-0, 6-1, in the first round. Her Miami Open semifinal run earlier in 2025, where she upset Iga Swiatek, Jelena Ostapenko, and Madison Keys, marked her as a rising star, and her doubles stint with Gauff further elevated her profile. Gauff offered Eala advice, encouraging her to embrace doubles for its lower-pressure environment. “The only thing I did tell her was that doubles helped me a lot in that space, having some time on court where it’s a little less stressful,” Gauff shared, reflecting on her own career.

As the French Open approaches, Gauff’s Rome experience, both in singles and doubles, signals her readiness for the clay court major. Her partnership with Eala, though brief, highlighted the power of spontaneity and mentorship in tennis. The duo’s chemistry, forged through a single DM, left fans hoping for future collaborations, while Gauff’s lighthearted apologies underscored her humility and team spirit. “I’m super happy to play with her,” Gauff said, a sentiment that resonated as their Rome journey ended, leaving a lasting impression on the clay courts of the Foro Italico.[](https://www.thetennisgazette.com/news/coco-gauff-explains-why-she-has-been-apologising-to-doubles-partner-alexandra-eala-after-competing-at-the-italian-open/)[](https://www.sportskeeda.com/tennis/news-coco-gauff-reveals-apologized-alexandra-eala-many-times-amid-italian-open-doubles-partnership)[](https://www.express.co.uk/sport/tennis/2055433/Coco-Gauff-Italian-Open-Alexandra-Eala)