World number four Coco Gauff has expressed that she "can't really empathise" with the pressure faced by rising Filipino tennis star Alexandra Eala. Gauff, a two-time Grand Slam winner, highlighted Eala's unique position as the first Filipino player to break numerous barriers in the sport, particularly on the female side.
Eala, 21, recently became the first Filipino to win a WTA singles title and has climbed to 18th in the world rankings. Gauff, 22, noted that Eala is achieving similar feats for her country as Manny Pacquiao has done, unlike Gauff who comes from the US where many icons have already paved the way.
After her third-round loss at the US Open to Iva Jovic, Eala became emotional discussing the significant support she receives from the Philippines. Gauff, who will now face Jovic in the fourth round, acknowledged that while she can relate to the general hype of expectations, she feels Eala carries a greater burden of pressure.
This year, Eala has reached the fourth round at Wimbledon and the third round at Flushing Meadows. She also secured her maiden WTA 500 title at the Washington Open and her second WTA 125 singles title in Birmingham in June.