Gauff Admits She Cannot Relate to Eala’s Pressure

World number four Coco Gauff has stated that she cannot fully relate to the immense pressure faced by rising Filipino tennis star Alexandra Eala, acknowledging that the 21-year-old carries a heavier burden due to her historic status.

Eala, who recently became the first Filipino to win a WTA singles title and has climbed to world number 18, was interviewed after her third-round exit at the 2026 US Open against Iva Jovic. During the match, Eala became emotional while discussing the overwhelming support from fans back in the Philippines.

Gauff, who is set to face Jovic in the fourth round, was asked if she could understand the unique expectations placed on Eala. The American responded that she cannot empathize with that specific aspect of the sport.

“No, I can’t at all, because she’s the first Filipino player to break a lot of the barriers that she’s done, especially on the female side,” Gauff said. She compared Eala’s impact to that of boxing legend Manny Pacquiao, noting that Eala is doing for the Philippines what Pacquiao did for his country.

Gauff reflected on her own career, stating she is fortunate to come from the United States, where numerous icons had already paved the way for her. “I’m lucky to be from the US, where we had a lot of icons to look up to, people who have already broken down doors for me to be here where I am,” she explained.

The two-time Grand Slam champion admitted that the only parallel she could draw was the external hype and the expectation to win every match. Eala made history last year by becoming the first Filipino to win a US Open match in the Open era and reached the fourth round at Wimbledon this year.

Following her Wimbledon performance, Eala received a formal reception from Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos at Malacanang Palace. She also secured her second WTA 125 title in Birmingham and claimed her first WTA 500 title at the Washington Open in June, with Filipino fans becoming increasingly visible at her events.

“From the outside looking in, she has more pressure,” Gauff added. “I have a lot of respect for her and what she’s doing, but I can’t really empathise. I feel like she has more pressure than I do.”