MANILA — At just 20 years old, Alex Eala is making waves at Indian Wells, advancing to the tournament’s last 16 after World No. 4 Coco Gauff retired due to injury in their third-round showdown on Monday (Manila time).
Eala was leading comfortably 6-2, 2-0 when Gauff, who had previously received treatment for her left arm, decided to withdraw.
“It’s not how I imagined winning, but playing against such a top player on Stadium One is unforgettable,” Eala said, wishing her opponent a swift recovery.
Gauff struggled after losing her serve in the second game of the second set, and despite attempts from her trainer to treat her shoulder and forearm, she stepped off the court.
Next up for Eala is Czech competitor Linda Noskova, with a quarterfinal berth on the line.
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