US Open: Eala has more pressure than I do — Gauff

World number four Coco Gauff says rising Filipino star Alexandra Eala faces more pressure than she does because of the barriers she has broken in tennis.

Eala became the first Filipino to win a WTA singles title last month and has since climbed to 18th in the world rankings.

The 21-year-old’s historic rise has attracted huge support from fans in the Philippines, with Eala becoming an increasingly prominent figure in her country.

After losing to Iva Jovic in the third round of the US Open, Eala became emotional while speaking about the support she receives from home.

Gauff, who has played doubles with Eala, was asked whether she could relate to the pressure facing the young Filipino.

“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,” Gauff said.

“When you speak of athletes from the Philippines, she’s doing similar things to what Manny Pacquiao is doing for her country.

“I’m lucky to be from the US, where we had a lot of icons to look up to, people who have already broken down doors for me to be here where I am.

“I can’t really empathise in that aspect. The only way I can is maybe just the hype of everyone expecting you to win every single match.”

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Eala made history on her US Open debut last year when she became the first Filipino player to win a singles match in the Open era.

She has continued to make progress this season, reaching the fourth round at Wimbledon before advancing to the third round at Flushing Meadows.

Her achievements have earned her recognition at the highest level in the Philippines.

After Wimbledon, Eala returned home and was honoured at a reception hosted by Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos at Malacañang Palace in Manila.

She won her second WTA 125 singles title at Birmingham in June before claiming her first WTA 500 title at the Washington Open.

Her success has also been reflected in the stands, with Filipino fans and national flags becoming increasingly visible during her matches.

“From the outside looking in, she has more pressure,” Gauff added.

“I have a lot of respect for her and what she’s doing, but I can’t really empathise. I feel like she has more pressure than I do.”

Gauff, a two-time Grand Slam champion, will face Jovic in the fourth round of the US Open as she continues her own bid for another major title.