Coco Gauff and Alexandra Eala are set to meet again at Indian Wells. Their upcoming match comes less than three weeks after they played in Dubai. Emma Raducanu is also competing, facing Amanda Anisimova, while Naomi Osaka will play Camila Osorio.
Eala Seeks a Different Outcome Against Gauff
Seventeen days ago, Coco Gauff defeated Alexandra Eala 6-0, 6-2 in Dubai. Eala expressed her admiration for Gauff. She described Gauff as an incredible athlete, an incredible person, and a role model.
Eala, who is 20 years old, is preparing to face the 21-year-old Gauff. She hopes to demonstrate what she has learned since their previous encounter. Eala is coming off a three-set victory over Dayana Yastremska. Gauff secured her spot in the match with a 6-3, 7-6 (5) victory over qualifier Kamilla Rakhimova.
Eala anticipates a tough match and a supportive crowd for Gauff. Eala said she would love to play Gauff again. She also stated that playing in Indian Wells with a lot of people supporting her is something she’s dreamed of since she was young.
Gauff’s Game and Eala’s Experience
Gauff played a terrific tiebreak in her previous match. She is the only woman to win all four extra sessions this year and is 59-30 for her career. However, she will need to address her forehand and the 10 double faults she suffered against Rakhimova.
Eala has already gained significant experience, including defeating Jelena Ostapenko, Madison Keys, Paula Badosa and Iga Swiatek on the way to the Miami semifinals a year ago. “It’s not my first huge match,” Eala said.
Raducanu vs Anisimova: Another Enticing Matchup
Emma Raducanu and Amanda Anisimova have faced each other three times, all last year. Raducanu won the first two matches. However, Anisimova won their most recent encounter 6-2, 6-1 in Montreal.
Aryna Sabalenka began her BNP Paribas Open journey with a 6-4, 6-2 win over qualifier Himeno Sakatsume. Sabalenka said she was super happy with the level she played and to get the win. It had been five weeks since Sabalenka fell to Elena Rybakina in the Australian Open final.
On Sunday, the card showcases some of the best and the brightest of the WTA Tour Driven by Mercedes-Benz. No fewer than 11 Grand Slam singles titles are represented in eight third-round matches from the top half of the draw, featuring some enticing matchups.