Alex Eala Honors Her Mom in a Special Women’s Day Message at Indian Wells

Filipino tennis star Alexandra ‘Alex’ Eala makes history at Indian Wells, becoming the first Filipina to reach the Round of 16 at the BNP Paribas Open in a career-defining moment.

Eala was leading 6-2, 2-0 when Gauff stopped play moments into the second set on Monday morning, Manila time. The American world No. 4 had earlier taken a medical timeout late in the first set after appearing to injure her left shoulder. She returned to the court with her forearm wrapped but was still visibly uncomfortable and eventually decided she could not continue.

Although the match ended sooner than expected, the moment still marked an important step for the 20-year-old Filipina, who had the chance to compete on Stadium One at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden in California, one of the sport’s most recognizable venues.

During her post-game interview, Eala began by greeting the crowd in celebration of International Women’s Day and acknowledging the women who shaped the sport and her own journey.

“First and foremost, I want to say happy Women’s Day, everybody,” she said. “I want to say thank you to all the incredible women who have paved the way and who have advocated for themselves and for other women. Among them is Coco. So thank you, Coco, for being an amazing competitor and an amazing role model. I hope everything is well and you recover soon.”

Eala also took a moment to acknowledge someone special watching from the stands: her mother.

“I also want to say happy Women’s Day to my mom who is there in the stands. I want to thank her for being the amazing woman that she is and for helping me become the woman that I am. And that goes to all mothers,” she said.

The brief message drew cheers from the audience and highlighted the support system behind the young athlete’s growing career.

Also read: Alex Eala: ‘My Family Should Take Credit For The Foundation They Laid Out’

Eala had faced Gauff just last month at the Dubai Tennis Championships, where the American won in straight sets. Their rematch in Indian Wells started competitively, with Gauff taking a 2-1 lead before Eala strung together several games to close the first set 6-2.

Gauff called for medical assistance late in the set as a trainer checked her shoulder and arm. She returned to play the second set, but after Eala went up 2-0, the American chose to retire from the match.

“I really didn’t want to win this way, but this is still a very big moment for me, playing on Court 1 at Indian Wells,” Eala also said in the interview. “I’m really grateful to be here, and I’m so happy.”

Eala now advances to the fourth round, where she will face Linda Nosková, currently ranked world No. 14.

Even with the abrupt finish, the appearance on one of tennis’ biggest stages and the presence of her mother in the stands made the moment especially meaningful for the Filipina athlete.

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