WTA World number 4 Coco Gauff was forced to retire from her third-round clash against Alex Eala at Indian Wells due to severe pain in her left arm.
The two-time grand slam champ had previously retired from only one match in her entire career, back in Cincinnati in 2022. The 21-year-old Coco took a medical timeout before the final game. She later apologised to Eala for not being able to finish her match.
Alex Eala was trailing Coco with a 6-2, 2-0 lead. While at the net, Coco expressed her apology to Eala, saying, “I’m sorry. You were playing great,” as they continued to embrace right at the net.
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Not the ending we wanted to see 💔
Coco Gauff is forced to retire against Alex Eala after feeling persistent pain in her arm. 😓
Wonderful sportsmanship from both 🤝 pic.twitter.com/chxwX99aUT
— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) March 9, 2026
World no.4 showed signs of discomfort during the first set of the match and even called for a medical timeout while the scoreline was 5-2. The match resumed, and this is where Alex Eala quickly capitalised, breaking serve to close out the first set 6-2. Although Gauff received extensive treatment and taping of her left forearm during the changeover, the issue persisted.
After falling behind in the first two games of the second set, she decided it was time, as she could not continue.
Just after calling quits on the match, Gauff explained her discomfort, saying, “It felt like a firework was going off inside of my arm, and then my whole arm felt like it was on fire.”
Incredible sportsmanship 🫂 💚#TennisParadise pic.twitter.com/nrIv9gtkwg
— wta (@WTA) March 9, 2026
Coco hardly retires from her matches, nor calls for a medical timeout, but this experience shows that even the strongest players can succumb to injuries.
According to the Indian Wells Open tennis page, medical staff suggested the issue might be nerve-related, and Gauff confirmed she would undergo an MRI to determine the exact cause.
She expressed optimism about her recovery.
“The good news is they don’t think it’s going to be a long-term type of situation, so I should be fine for Miami.”
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With this walkover from Coco, 20-year-old Alex Eala will now face Czech player Linda Noskova in the round of 16. This will be Eala’s first round of 16 at Indian Wells.
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Feature Image: Gettys
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