Christopher Eubanks has found more than just a friend in Coco Gauff: he’s found a true supporter. Whether it’s hyping up his game or cheering on his love life, the World number 3 has been a constant source of encouragement for the American ATP star. “It’s tough on tour to really be able to go out and support your friends. For her to come to multiple matches and support me means the world,” Chris himself admitted in 2023 while expressing his gratitude toward Coco. Ever since, their bond has only deepened, so much so that Eubank’s girlfriend, Anna Mitchell, has also formed a close connection with Gauff. And on Anna’s special day, Coco ensured she showered her with love.

Coco Gauff’s companionship with Anna Mitchell has blossomed ever since their unforgettable escape room adventure. During last year’s AO and Miami Open, Gauff shared stories of teaming up with ATP ace Ben Shelton and Christopher Eubanks for escape room challenges and one particular story truly highlighted her special bond with Mitchell.

“Okay, so we’ve done two escape rooms, our little group, which is me, Anna(Anna Mitchell), which is Chris’ girlfriend, and Ben. We did one in Melbourne, and definitely Ben was the strongest, I would say that day, which was surprising because we all thought he was going to suck, but he was pretty good, and then we did another one in Indian Wells, and I think me and Anna was the strongest,” Gauff revealed while praising Anna.

Their connection has only grown stronger, with Anna holding a cherished place in Coco’s life. “I’m really happy that Chris got a girlfriend ’cause I got tired being around with guys. Being with Anna is a nice balance with the two. I don’t think I would do it with just the three of us. That would be rough. Too much testosterone,” Coco remarked during her Italian Open R32 post-match press conference last year as well. And now, the former US Open champion has expressed her admiration for Anna again.

A while back, Anna Mitchell took to IG, sharing a stunning carousel of photos to celebrate her 28th birthday, captioning it, “More life 🍸🤍✨#28.” The snapshots captured her joy: an elegant dinner outing with her friends, moments from Indian Wells, a mirror selfie, a nostalgic childhood picture of her, and a heartwarming shot of Chris Eubanks gently kissing Anna’s forehead. As soon as the post went live, Coco Gauff wasted no time in reacting. The 9-time WTA singles champ jumped into the comments, dropping “😍😍😍😍,” a simple yet sweet gesture that perfectly captured the warmth of their bond.

This isn’t the first time the World number 3 has commented on Anna Mitchell’s Instagram post. Even last year, as Christopher Eubanks enjoyed his off-season with a romantic getaway in Cape Town, South Africa, Mitchell shared stunning glimpses of their adventure on her IG account. From wine tasting to zebra spotting, the couple fully embraced the African nature’s beauty. She also posted breathtaking harbor views and a charming video of giant elephants, capturing the essence of their trip. As the photos went online, love poured in from all quarters. From Gauff as well, who once again dropped “😍😍😍😍.”

But hey, social media gimmicks aside, what’s Coco Gauff up to in terms of her on-court endeavours?

“I came in here with determination,” Coco Gauff said after securing the first-round win at Indian Wells

Coco Gauff’s BNP Paribas Open’s first match was anything but a walk in the park. The third seed looked visibly frustrated as she battled through an error-strewn match against the Japanese player Moyuka Uchijima. Struggling with her rhythm, Coco racked up an alarming 21 double faults and over 70 unforced errors. 

However, with sheer determination, the former US champion snapped her three-match losing streak, grinding out a grueling 6-4, 3-6, 7-6(4) win on Stadium 2 in the California desert – her first victory since defeating the Swiss Belinda Bencic in the Happy Slam fourth round. And, after the match, she candidly shared her unfiltered thoughts on the tough battle.

“It wasn’t my best tennis at all today, but I’m just happy to get through. It’s been a rough couple of weeks, and I’m just happy to get a win on the court. No one likes to lose, and I came in here with determination. It wasn’t my best tennis, but a win is a win,” Coco admitted at the post-match press conference. 

Next, she will face Maria Sakkari today, who eliminated her in the semifinals of last year’s Indian Wells Open. Who do you think will win this time?