Tennis star Coco Gauff has made a candid request to fans at the Italian Open: stop calling her doubles partnership “Team Coachella.”
The 20-year-old American, who has reached the quarter-finals of the women’s singles draw after defeating Emma Raducanu, is also competing in the doubles tournament with Filipina rising star Alexandra Eala.
The duo has performed strongly in Rome and will face Italians Jasmine Paolini and Sara Errani in their next match. Ahead of the clash, Gauff and Eala recorded a social media message thanking fans for their support—but Gauff took the opportunity to address a nickname that’s been circulating.
“We don’t like ‘Team Coachella,’” Gauff said bluntly. “So pick a new name.” Eala echoed her, laughing: “Maybe another name. Okay, bye.”
Despite their brief history together—Gauff revealed Eala first contacted her via direct message—the pair has found fast chemistry. “She slid into my DMs and asked me to play,” Gauff said. “We really didn’t know each other before. I’m super happy to be playing with her. She’s a killer in doubles.”
Eala, who previously reached the semi-finals of the Miami Open, brings strong credentials to the team, having won two junior Grand Slam titles in doubles.
Gauff remains in contention for both singles and doubles titles in Rome. If she defeats Mirra Andreeva, she could face Aryna Sabalenka or Zheng Qinwen in the singles semi-finals.
