Alexandra Eala has advanced to the Indian Wells fourth round following Coco Gauff’s retirement from their third-round match.
Eala was leading 6-2, 2-0 when Gauff was forced to retire from their blockbuster contest due to an arm injury.
It was the second time the pair have met in as many months, following Gauff’s victory over the Filipina at the Dubai Tennis Championships.
With victory over Gauff, Eala has once again demonstrated her status as one of the best young talents on the WTA Tour alongside Victoria Mboko and Mirra Andreeva.
And following her victory over Gauff on Sunday evening, Eala discussed which young stars she considers to be her closest friends on the WTA Tour.
Alex Eala reveals her best friends on the WTA Tour
Speaking to the Tennis Channel after the match, Eala said: “I think this year one of my resolutions, and maybe even before that, was to try and be more social and come out of my shell a bit.
“I am happy to say that I have built a lot of really great friendships on Tour. This week I played with Iva Jovic, we are really good friends. She is super good fun.
