Eala Backs Gauff in Tennis Privacy Debate

Rising star Alexandra Eala shares her perspective on the challenges players face with constant camera presence at tournaments.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Filipina tennis player Alexandra Eala has expressed her concerns about the lack of privacy for athletes during tournaments, echoing the recent frustrations voiced by Coco Gauff. Eala, who is currently ranked World No. 45, revealed the difficulties of adjusting to life in the public eye with cameras constantly present, even in personal moments. She emphasized the importance of players being able to 'draw their own line' when it comes to privacy.

Why it matters

The ongoing debate around player privacy highlights the intense scrutiny and pressure that high-profile tennis stars face, both on and off the court. As the sport continues to grow in popularity, finding the right balance between access for fans and respecting athletes' personal boundaries has become an increasingly complex issue.

The details

Eala's comments come after Coco Gauff's racket-smashing incident at the Australian Open, which occurred in a players' tunnel where Gauff believed cameras were not filming. Several retired professionals have since defended Gauff's stance, and Eala has now added her voice to the discussion. Eala, who has competed alongside Gauff on the WTA Tour, revealed the challenges of constantly having recording devices present, saying 'the phone is the first thing they reach out for' when people see her.

  • Eala recently suffered a setback, losing in straight sets to qualifier Tereza Valentova at the Qatar Open, causing her to slip to World No. 45.
  • Eala is set to compete in the Dubai Tennis Championships for the first time, presenting a crucial chance to improve her ranking.
  • Eala faces the possibility of another rankings decline if she cannot replicate or surpass her previous performance at the 2025 Miami Open, where she reached the semifinals.

The players

Alexandra Eala

A Filipina tennis player currently ranked World No. 45 on the WTA Tour, who has spoken out about the challenges players face with constant camera presence at tournaments.

Coco Gauff

An American tennis player who recently sparked a debate about player privacy after destroying her racket in frustration following a loss at the Australian Open, where she believed cameras were not filming.

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What they’re saying

“I am learning to deal with a lot of, you know, these cameras and a lot of the times when people see me, the phone is the first thing they reach out for. Which is something that I have to adjust to.”

— Alexandra Eala, Tennis Player (The National News)

“Or sometimes I can understand that we don't have the power to draw our own line. I think everybody should have the right to draw the line of privacy.”

— Alexandra Eala, Tennis Player (The National News)

What’s next

Eala is set to compete in the Dubai Tennis Championships for the first time, presenting a crucial chance to improve her ranking.

The takeaway

The ongoing debate around player privacy in tennis highlights the intense scrutiny and pressure that high-profile athletes face, underscoring the need for a balance between fan access and respecting the personal boundaries of the players.