Indian Wells: Alex Eala beats Yastremska to set up Coco Gauff clash
Alex Eala set up a blockbuster third-round tie against Coco Gauff at Indian Wells after battling past Dayana Yastremska in front of a raucous crowd.
The 20-year-old Filipina secured a hard-fought 7-5 4-6 7-5 victory just before midnight in the Californian desert.
Despite the late finish and chilly conditions, hundreds of supporters remained on Stadium 3 to witness the three-set thriller.
She will now face two-time major champion Gauff on Sunday in a featured night match on Stadium 1.
‘The Eala Tour’ gathers pace
The sheer volume of support for the Rafa Nadal Academy graduate has become a defining feature of her recent tour appearances.
Queues formed outside the court six hours before the match began, with fans displaying flags and signs reading “Laban Alex” – meaning “Fight Alex” in Tagalog.
“It means the world to have this community behind me in such a prestigious tournament,” Eala said.
“For them to make the effort to stay up late and stay in the cold and cheer me on really added to the feelings and the emotions after the match.”
Rising up the rankings
Currently ranked world number 32, the left-hander is poised to break into the top 30 following this latest triumph.
Eala announced herself on the global stage last year with a run to the Miami Open semi-finals as a wildcard, claiming victories over Iga Swiatek and Madison Keys.
She continues to rewrite the history books for the Philippines, having already become the nation’s highest-ranked female player and the first to reach a WTA final.
However, the former junior standout now faces a stern test against American favourite Gauff as she looks to extend her run in ‘Tennis Paradise’.
