INDIAN WELLS: Filipina rising star Alexandra Eala advanced to the last 16 at Indian Wells Open after world number four Coco Gauff retired from their third-round match with a painful arm injury on Sunday.
The 20-year-old 31st seed was leading 6-2, 2-0 when Gauff called it a day after 54 minutes, sending Eala into the fourth round of the prestigious tournament in the United States.
Gauff later explained that the problem started early in the match. “I felt it, like, the second game of the first set,” she said, describing the sensation as if “a firework was going off inside of my arm, and then my whole arm felt like it was on fire.”
The American said the pain worsened as the match continued. “It was a scary feeling,” she added, revealing she would undergo an MRI scan as doctors believe the issue could be nerve-related.
Despite the concern, Gauff said the injury is not expected to be long term and she hopes to recover in time for the Miami Open.
Eala, however, made clear she would have preferred a full contest despite her strong start.
“No one likes winning like that, and no one likes losing like that,” she said after the match. “Nevertheless, I’m really happy with how I played.”
The Filipina added she hopes to build on her performance. “I’m really happy with my performance, and I hope I can make the best out of the momentum.”
Eala will next face Czech player Linda Noskova for a place in the quarter-finals as she continues her impressive run in the California tournament. – AFP
