Alex Eala Picks Coco Gauff to Win US Open as American Star Chases Second New York Crown

Alex Eala may have seen her own 2026 US Open campaign come to an end, but the Filipina tennis star still has a favorite to lift the trophy in New York.

Her choice is none other than Coco Gauff.

Eala has backed her friend and fellow young tennis star to win the US Open, praising Gauff’s mental strength, physical ability, powerful game, and competitive edge.

“I have to say, though, I am rooting for Coco,” Eala said. She then summed up Gauff’s qualities in a simple but striking assessment: “She’s a beast.”

The endorsement carries extra weight because Eala has closely watched Gauff’s development. The two have competed against each other, teamed up in doubles, and developed a friendship as they rose through the international tennis ranks.

Why Eala Believes Gauff Can Win Again

For Eala, Gauff’s biggest advantage may not simply be her powerful groundstrokes or athleticism.

It is her mentality.

Eala specifically highlighted Gauff’s grit and mentality, as well as her physical strength, powerful shots, and ability to compete through difficult moments.

That mental toughness has been evident throughout Gauff’s latest run in New York.

The fourth-seeded American arrived at the US Open after winning the Cincinnati title and has carried that momentum into Flushing Meadows. She reached the quarterfinals without dropping a set, putting herself firmly among the tournament’s leading contenders.

Her performance against Iva Jovic was particularly impressive.

Gauff defeated Jovic 6-1, 6-4, producing a dominant performance against the player who had just defeated Eala in a dramatic three-set battle.

Eala’s US Open Run Ends Against Jovic

Eala’s support for Gauff comes shortly after the Filipina’s own impressive US Open campaign ended.

The 21-year-old reached the third round before losing to close friend Iva Jovic 7-5, 3-6, 7-5 in a three-hour thriller at Arthur Ashe Stadium.

It was a breakthrough tournament for Eala, who entered the event as the No. 17 seed and attracted enormous support from Filipino fans in New York.

Jovic’s victory set up an intriguing fourth-round meeting with Gauff.

That matchup meant Eala had an unusual perspective. She had just battled Jovic for three hours, only to watch Gauff produce a commanding performance against the American prospect.

The result may have reinforced Eala’s belief that Gauff is the player to beat.

Who Can Stop Coco Gauff?

The challenge gets significantly tougher in the quarterfinals.

Gauff’s opponent is Mirra Andreeva, the No. 5 seed and reigning French Open champion. The Russian teenager has emerged as one of the most dangerous young players on the WTA Tour.

On paper, however, Gauff has the psychological advantage.

She has beaten Andreeva in all five of their previous meetings, including their encounter during Gauff’s 2023 US Open championship run.

But past success does not guarantee another victory.

Andreeva has continued to develop her game, while Gauff appears to have found greater confidence in her serve and overall shot selection.

Gauff’s improved serving has been particularly significant after she endured difficult stretches with double faults in previous seasons.

Gauff Is Playing With More Freedom

Perhaps the most encouraging sign for Gauff is the way she is approaching matches.

After defeating Jovic, Gauff said she has been trying to play without regrets. She has found more enjoyment and success when she gives herself permission to play aggressively.

That mindset could be crucial during the final stages of a Grand Slam.

Gauff already knows what it takes to win the US Open. She captured her first major championship at Flushing Meadows in 2023, becoming one of the biggest stars in women’s tennis in the process.

Now she has an opportunity to do it again.

Eala and Gauff: Friends and Rivals

Eala and Gauff’s relationship adds another interesting dimension to the story.

The two players are close in age and have grown up competing in the same tennis generation. Their professional relationship has also extended beyond singles competition.

They are 1-1 in singles head-to-head meetings, with both encounters coming on hard courts. They also teamed up in doubles at the Italian Open earlier this year.

Their friendship has continued away from competition, too. The pair have appeared together in social media content during the North American hard-court swing.

That makes Eala’s support for Gauff particularly meaningful. She is not simply picking a popular player. She knows firsthand how difficult Gauff can be to beat.

The Road to Another US Open Title

Gauff’s path is becoming more difficult with every round, but her recent form suggests she has every reason to believe another championship is possible.

She entered New York after winning Cincinnati and carried that momentum into the US Open. She also reached the quarterfinals while winning every set along the way.

The biggest question is whether anyone can disrupt that momentum.

Andreeva represents the immediate test. Beyond her, the remaining draw features several proven Grand Slam contenders capable of producing an upset.

But if Gauff continues to serve confidently, defend relentlessly, and play with the fearless mentality Eala admires, she will be extremely difficult to stop.

For Filipino tennis fans still following the tournament after Eala’s exit, there is now another reason to watch closely.

Alex Eala has picked Coco Gauff. And according to the Filipina star, the American is a beast.

FAQ: Alex Eala and Coco Gauff at the US Open

Who did Alex Eala pick to win the 2026 US Open?

Alex Eala picked Coco Gauff as her favorite to win the 2026 US Open. Eala said she was rooting for Gauff despite the highly competitive quarterfinal stage of the women’s draw. She praised Gauff’s grit, mentality, physical strength, and powerful game, ultimately describing her as “a beast.” Eala’s endorsement is notable because she and Gauff are friends and have competed against each other on the WTA Tour. Their relationship gives Eala a firsthand perspective on Gauff’s abilities.

Why did Alex Eala call Coco Gauff a “beast”?

Eala used the description while explaining why she admires Gauff as a tennis player. She highlighted Gauff’s mentality and grit, as well as her physical abilities, powerful shots, and overall competitiveness. For Eala, Gauff’s ability to fight through difficult situations is one of her defining strengths. The comment reflects the respect between two young players who have followed each other’s careers as they progressed through professional tennis.

Did Alex Eala and Coco Gauff play each other?

Yes. Eala and Gauff have faced each other twice in singles, with their head-to-head record tied at 1-1. Both matches were played on hard courts. The two players have also shared the court as doubles partners, including at the 2026 Italian Open. Their friendship has continued away from tournaments as well, making their relationship one of the more interesting connections among the WTA’s emerging generation.

How did Alex Eala perform at the 2026 US Open?

Alex Eala reached the third round of the 2026 US Open before falling to American Iva Jovic in a dramatic three-set match. Eala lost 7-5, 3-6, 7-5 after approximately three hours of competition at Arthur Ashe Stadium. Despite the defeat, her run represented another major step in her rapidly developing career and generated huge enthusiasm among Filipino fans in New York.

Who will Coco Gauff face in the US Open quarterfinals?

Coco Gauff is scheduled to face No. 5 seed Mirra Andreeva in the 2026 US Open quarterfinals. The match brings together two of the most prominent young stars in women’s tennis. Gauff enters the contest with a perfect 5-0 head-to-head record against Andreeva, although the Russian has continued to improve and arrives as the reigning French Open champion.

Can Coco Gauff win another US Open title?

Yes. Gauff is a serious contender for the 2026 US Open championship. She won the tournament in 2023 and entered this year’s event after winning Cincinnati. She has also reached the quarterfinals without dropping a set and has demonstrated stronger serving and greater confidence throughout her New York campaign. Her recent form makes her one of the leading candidates, although the remaining draw contains several elite players capable of challenging her.

What makes Coco Gauff difficult to beat?

Gauff combines speed, athleticism, defensive ability, powerful groundstrokes, and mental toughness. She can absorb pressure from opponents and quickly turn defense into offense. Her improved serve has also added another dimension to her game. At the 2026 US Open, she has complemented those physical qualities with a more aggressive and confident approach while trying to play without regrets. That combination has made her particularly dangerous during the tournament’s second week.

What did Coco Gauff say about Alex Eala?

Gauff has spoken highly of Eala’s achievements and the significance of her rise for Philippine tennis. She has acknowledged that Eala faces unique pressure due to her role as a trailblazer in Philippine tennis. Gauff has also recognized Eala’s growing influence in the Philippines and compared her potential impact on the sport to the influence Manny Pacquiao has had in the country.

Why is the Eala-Gauff friendship significant?

The friendship represents the close relationship developing among a new generation of women’s tennis stars. Eala and Gauff have competed against each other, partnered in doubles and supported each other’s careers. Their connection is especially notable because both players have become important figures in their respective countries. Eala is helping elevate Philippine tennis internationally, while Gauff has become one of the most recognizable American players of her generation.

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