Alex Eala defeated Coco Gauff in the third round of Indian Wells.
The Filipina has looked mighty in California, as she now prepares to take on Linda Noskova in the last 16.
Her performances have caught the attention of several tennis stars, past and present, including former Grand Slam finalist Greg Rusedski.
What is the best win of Alexandra Eala’s career so far? 🤔
Iga Swiatek in Miami, Clara Tauson at the US Open, Jasmine Paolini in Dubai, or a different match?
After watching her play at Indian Wells, Rusedski predicted where Eala will reach in the world rankings.
Greg Rusedski backs Alex Eala to reach the WTA top 10
During the latest episode of ‘Off Court Cuts‘, Rusedski shared his thoughts on the 20-year-old sensation.
“A good lefty, moves exceptionally well, competes incredibly well,” he said.
“The movement is there, the firepower is getting better, it’s a gradual buildup, as she’s really getting into her body.
“I like the way she thinks tactically; she’s very astute out there.
“And for all the pressure and expectation on her shoulders, she’s finding a way to push through.
“She is the real deal. I think she is going to get into the top 10.
“You don’t beat players like [Iga] Swiatek, [Coco] Gauff, even though Gauff wasn’t at her best…
Alex Eala’s top-10 wins
- 1. Madison Keys [5] – 2025 Miami Open 3R (6-4, 6-2)
- 2. Iga Swiatek [2] – 2025 Miami Open QF (6-2, 7-5)
- 3. Jasmine Paolini [8] – 2026 Dubai 2R (6-1, 7-6)
- 4. Coco Gauff [4] – 2026 Indian Wells 3R (6-2, 2-0 RET)
“She is somebody who is great for the women’s tour.”
Rusedski believes Eala has what it takes to become a top 10 player.
But where is she ranked right now?
Eala jumped up to 28th in the ‘Live WTA Rankings’, following her third-round win against Gauff.
Live WTA rankings
| Rank | Name | Age | Country | Points |
| 1 | Aryna Sabalenka | 27 | Belarus | 10,145 |
| 10 | Mirra Andreeva | 18 | Russia | 3,066 |
| 24 | Jelena Ostapenko | 28 | Latvia | 1,655 |
| 25 | Leylah Fernandez | 23 | Canada | 1,598 |
| 26 | Qinwen Zheng | 23 | China | 1,553 |
| 27 | Emma Navarro | 24 | USA | 1,550 |
| 28 | Alex Eala | 20 | Philippines | 1,542 |
| 29 | Marta Kostyuk | 23 | Ukraine | 1,528 |
| 30 | Cristina Bucsa | 28 | Spain | 1,451 |
| 31 | Maya Joint | 19 | Australia | 1,445 |
| 32 | Marie Bouzkova | 27 | Czechia | 1,425 |
She could break into the top 16 with a title in California.
Things are looking good for Eala, but it must be said that she has a long way to go.
If the Filipina were to double her points tally, she’d only just be ranked inside the world’s top 10, by 18 points.
It’s also worth remembering that Eala is set to defend 390 points (25% of her tally) at the Miami Open later this month.
What does Alexandra Eala need to improve in 2026 to challenge for a Grand Slam title?
When those points drop at the beginning of the tournament, Eala could slip to around 50th in the live rankings.
But, at 20-years-old, Eala has plenty of time to reach her goals.
And with her millions of fans backing her every step of the way, she could be a top-10 player for years to come!
Who is Alex Eala’s fourth-round opponent – Linda Noskova?
Next up for Eala is the 14th seed, Noskova.
Noskova defeated Jessica Bouzas Maneiro and Sorana Cirstea to reach the fourth round.
The Czech star, like Eala, is one of the brightest prospects in women’s tennis.
Noskova is ranked 14th in the world and has already played six WTA finals, winning one.
She even contested a WTA 1000 final last year, losing out to Amanda Anisimova in Beijing.
Linda Noskova’s record in WTA finals
| Final | Tier | Opponent | Result |
| 2023 Adelaide International | WTA 500 | Aryna Sabalenka | LOSS |
| 2023 Prague Open | WTA 250 | Nao Hibino | LOSS |
| 2024 Monterrey Open | WTA 500 | Lulu Sun | WIN |
| 2025 Prague Open | WTA 250 | Marie Bouzkova | LOSS |
| 2025 China Open | WTA 1000 | Amanda Anisimova | LOSS |
| 2025 Pan Pacific Open | WTA 500 | Belinda Bencic | LOSS |
She certainly has the pedigree at this level, but how has she fared against Eala in the past?
Well, they have yet to meet on the WTA Tour…
However, Eala and Noskova did face off in the French Open junior quarterfinals, six years ago.
There, Eala fought back from a set down to win 4-6, 6-3, 6-2.
Can she pick up another win when they meet in California? Only time will tell.
Eala will play Noskova for a spot in the quarterfinals on Tuesday, March 10.
