Coco Gauff retires injured against Alex Eala at Indian Wells

Gauff struggled with an injury to her left arm toward the end of the opening set and could not continue down 6-2, 2-0.

Mar. 9, 2026 at 2:07am

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Coco Gauff has been eliminated from the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells in the third round after retiring due to an injury to her left arm against Alex Eala. Gauff received medical treatment for the issue toward the end of the first set, which she lost 6-2, and was unable to continue when Eala broke in the second set.

Why it matters

Gauff, one of the rising stars in women's tennis, was considered a top contender at Indian Wells. Her early exit due to injury is a setback in her quest for a deep run at the prestigious tournament.

The details

Gauff struggled with the injury to her left arm toward the end of the opening set, receiving treatment from a trainer who massaged her shoulder and forearm. Despite the medical attention, Gauff was unable to recover and lost the first set 6-2. When Eala broke in the second set, Gauff walked to the net and retired from the match.

  • The incident occurred on March 8, 2026 during Gauff's third-round match at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California.

The players

Coco Gauff

A rising star in women's tennis who was considered a top contender at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells.

Alex Eala

Gauff's opponent in the third-round match at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells.

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The takeaway

Gauff's early exit due to injury is a setback in her quest for a deep run at the prestigious Indian Wells tournament, but the young star will look to bounce back and continue her rise in women's tennis.