Even tennis superstars have their limits – and for Coco Gauff, that limit was a seemingly innocent fan-created nickname at last year’s Italian Open. The young American sensation, currently world No. 4, found herself in a lighthearted but firm plea to her devoted supporters: "Pick a new name!"
Key Takeaways from the 'Team Coachella' Saga:
- Coco Gauff urged fans to stop using the "Team Coachella" nickname for her and Alexandra Eala.
- The duo had an impressive quarter-final run at the 2023 Italian Open doubles.
- Gauff praised Eala's "killer" doubles skills, despite barely knowing her initially.
- Both players have since prioritized their singles careers, even facing off as opponents.
When Fans Go Too Far (Even Lovingly)
The incident unfolded during the 2023 Italian Open, where Gauff teamed up with Filipino rising star Alexandra Eala. Their unexpected chemistry on and off the court quickly captivated fans, leading to the creation of "Team Coachella." This moniker, reflecting their upbeat vibe, was meant affectionately, yet it missed the mark for Gauff.
Following a successful run to the quarter-finals, where their partnership shone brightly, the duo shared a social media message. While Eala graciously thanked supporters, Gauff seized the moment with a cheeky request. She directly told fans, "We don't like Team Coachella, so pick a new name!" The message was clear: appreciation for support, but a boundary for nicknames.
The Unlikely Partnership of "Team No-Chella"
Before their viral nickname rejection, Gauff had revealed the organic origin of their doubles pairing. It wasn't a long-planned strategic move, but rather Eala sliding into her DMs. "She slid into my DMs and asked me to play," Gauff explained. "And I was like: 'Sure, why not?'"
Despite a lack of prior acquaintance – Gauff had only said "hi" to Eala once before in Madrid – the partnership clicked. Gauff spoke highly of Eala, calling her "such a nice person" and, crucially, a "killer in doubles," highlighting her two junior Grand Slams. Their journey to the quarter-finals demonstrated genuine on-court synergy.
Post-Coachella: Rivals on the Court
Since their memorable run at the Italian Open, the "Team Coachella" experiment has been put on hold. Both Gauff and Eala have shifted their focus primarily to their burgeoning singles careers. This strategic pivot means fans are unlikely to see them reunite for doubles in the immediate future.
In fact, their paths have diverged to the point where they've become opponents. In 2026, they faced each other twice. Gauff claimed victory at the Dubai Tennis Championships, but Eala responded by defeating Gauff at Indian Wells in March. This fierce competition underscores their individual growth and aspirations beyond a catchy, albeit disliked, doubles tag.
