Gauff beats Eala to join Pegula, Anisimova and Svitolina in Dubai semi-finals

Sports & Championship

Gauff beats Eala to join Pegula, Anisimova and Svitolina in Dubai semi-finals

World No.4 Coco Gauff powered into the semi-finals of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships, defeating Filipina rising star Alexandra Eala 6-0, 6-2 in front of a packed Centre Court at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium.

The American, seeded No.3 this week, needed just 68 minutes to end Eala’s impressive run in the emirate and book a last-four clash with Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina, a two-time Dubai champion.

Gauff overcomes partisan crowd

Despite eight double faults, Gauff’s superior power and experience proved decisive against the World No.47. Eala struggled to find rhythm early, dropping her opening service game and failing to capitalise on key moments as Gauff surged to a first-set bagel.

The passionate Filipino crowd remained vocal throughout, waving banners and cheering every point. Eala briefly ignited hope in the second set, breaking serve to narrow the gap to 4-2, but Gauff quickly regained control to seal victory.

“I could have served a little better, but I made it in when it mattered,” Gauff said. “Alex is a tough competitor. Even when I was up, I knew she could come back.”

Eala, who is projected to climb to a career-high ranking when the updated WTA standings are released, remained optimistic despite the defeat, saying the week confirmed she is “on the right path.”

Svitolina stages comeback to chase third Dubai crown

Earlier, Svitolina battled back from a set down to defeat Croatia’s Antonia Ruzic 3-6, 6-2, 6-3. The former champion, who lifted the Dubai trophy in 2017 and 2018, is seeking a third title at the tournament.

Ruzic, a Lucky Loser who had stunned top seed Elena Rybakina in the previous round, started strongly but was eventually outmanoeuvred as Svitolina raised her level.

“I had to really find the small holes in her game,” Svitolina said, crediting improved returns and serving consistency for her turnaround.

The Ukrainian will now renew her rivalry with Gauff, whom she defeated convincingly at the Australian Open last month.

All-American semi-final set

In the other semi-final, Jessica Pegula will face Amanda Anisimova in an all-American showdown. Pegula advanced after overcoming Clara Tauson, while Anisimova dethroned reigning champion Mirra Andreeva.

Now in its 26th edition, the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships features 16 of the world’s top 20 women’s players and continues under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. The WTA event runs until February 21 and will be followed by the emirate’s ATP 500 men’s tournament from February 23 to 28.