Gauff says she can't relate to pressure faced by Eala

World number four Coco Gauff has said she cannot fully understand the pressure faced by rising Filipino tennis star Alexandra Eala, saying Eala's situation is far more demanding than her own.

Eala became the first Filipino player to win a WTA singles title last month and has climbed to 18th in the world rankings. After losing to Iva Jovic in the third round of the US Open, the 21-year-old spoke emotionally about the enormous support she receives from fans back home in the Philippines.

Gauff will now face Jovic in the fourth round. The 22-year-old American, who has played doubles alongside Eala, was asked whether she could relate to what her fellow player has to handle.

"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," said Gauff, a two-time Grand Slam champion. She compared Eala's impact on her country to that of boxer Manny Pacquiao.

Gauff noted she has been fortunate to come from the United States, where numerous sporting icons had already paved the way before her. Because of that, she said she cannot fully empathise with Eala's position, apart from perhaps understanding the pressure of being expected to win every match.

Eala's achievements

Last year, in her US Open debut, Eala became the first Filipino player to win a match at the tournament during the Open era. This year she has reached the fourth round at Wimbledon and the third round at the US Open. Following Wimbledon, she was honoured with a reception hosted by Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos at Malacanang Palace in Manila.

In June, Eala won her second WTA 125 title in Birmingham, before claiming her maiden WTA 500 title at the Washington Open, where Filipino fans and flags have become an increasingly common sight at her matches.

Gauff said she has great respect for Eala and her achievements, but maintained she still cannot fully grasp the weight of expectation Eala carries.