Filipina tennis star Alex Eala advanced at the Indian Wells Open after American standout Coco Gauff retired during their match in California on Monday morning (Manila time).
Eala had already taken control of the match, winning the first set 6-2 and leading 2-0 in the second when Gauff decided to stop play due to an apparent forearm injury.
The World No. 4 American initially led 2-1 in the opening set before Eala surged with a string of consecutive games to take a commanding lead.
With Eala ahead 5-1, Gauff called for a medical timeout as a trainer examined her left arm and shoulder. After dropping the opening set, Gauff returned to the court with her forearm wrapped but continued to struggle physically.
The Filipina maintained her momentum in the second set, and moments later Gauff approached her at the net and conceded the match.
“I really didn’t wanna win this way, but this is still a very big moment for me, playing in Court 1 of Indian Wells,” Eala said in her post-match interview.
“I’m really grateful to be here and I’m so happy.”
The result also served as redemption for the 20-year-old Filipina, who lost to Gauff in straight sets during their meeting at the Dubai Tennis Championships last month.
Eala finished the match with nine winners compared to six for Gauff, while the American committed 26 unforced errors and seven double faults.
The Filipino standout, currently ranked World No. 32, will next face Linda Noskova, the World No. 14, in the next round.
Noskova advanced after defeating Sorana Cirstea in three sets, 6(5)-7, 6-4, 6-4.