By Jean Malanum
MANILA – Filipino Alexandra Eala advanced at the WTA 1000 Indian Wells Open in California, USA after American Coco Gauff was forced to retire during their round-of-32 match Monday.
Eala, the world’s No. 32 and seeded No. 31 in the tournament, was leading 6-2, 2-0 when the third-seeded Gauff quit due to a left arm injury.
Eala will be up against No. 14 seed Linda Noskova of the Czech Republic, who pulled off a 6-7 (5), 6-4, 6-4 victory over Sorana Cirstea of Romania.
Gauff, champion at the 2023 US Open and 2025 French Open, defeated Eala, 6-0, 6-2, in the quarterfinal round of the WTA 1000 Dubai Tennis Championships last month. (PNA)
