Alexandra Eala’s Indian Wells run came to an end on Tuesday as she was comprehensively beaten by Linda Noskova.
Eala, who had knocked out Dayana Yastremska and an injured Coco Gauff on her way to the last 16, struggled with her first serve as she fell to a 2-6, 0-6 loss.
What does Alexandra Eala need to improve in 2026 to challenge for a Grand Slam title?
The Filipina, who is now 0-11 against Czech opponents on the WTA Tour, will now set her sights on the Miami Open.
Following the disappointing result, Eala admitted that she was unable to find her ‘groove.’
Alex Eala admits ‘nothing clicked’ during her loss to Linda Noskova
“Tough match,” Eala said afterwards, as per Filipino outlet ABS-CBN. “I think she played super well. I don’t think I was able to find my groove and nothing clicked for me in today’s match.”
Eala understandably argued that preparing for the match by studying her last contest against Noskova would have been a pointless exercise.
After all, the pair were both 13 years old when they last played each other as juniors in 2018.
The Indian Wells quarter-finals…
- Linda Noskova vs Talia Gibson
- Aryna Sabalenka vs Victoria Mboko
- Belinda Bencic or Jessica Pegula vs Elena Rybakina or Sonay Kartal
- Katerina Siniakova or Elina Svitolina vs Karolina Muchova or Iga Świątek
“I’d be a fool to base my information [from] playing her at 13, when she was 13,” she said. “The preparation was similar to my other matches. It’s similar to if I’ve never played her before, and I haven’t in the professional circuit.”
“I’m in the fourth round of Indian Wells,” Eala continued.
“I’m really happy about that. It’s still something I’m really proud of. I wish it could end on different circumstances, but it is what it is, and, and there will be a next time for sure.”
“I think my experiences here and my matches here have really meant a lot for me.
“It’s a learning experience for me… I wouldn’t consider today’s match a positive experience for me, but down the line, I believe it will have a positive impact on my progression as a player.”
Eala will now look ahead to the Miami Open, where she reached the semi-finals last year.
Eala, who was a wildcard entry at the event, stunned Madison Keys and Iga Swiatek on her way to the semi-finals before losing to Jessica Pegula.
Eala will be defending 390 WTA ranking points heading into the 2026 Miami Open: the most points she will have to defend at any tournament all year.
Alex Eala’s 2025 Miami Open run…
| Round | Opponent | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Round of 128 | Katie Volynets | 6–3, 7–6(3) |
| Round of 64 | Jelena Ostapenko | 7–6(2), 7–5 |
| Round of 32 | Madison Keys | 6–4, 6–2 |
| Round of 16 | Paula Badosa | Walkover |
| Quarterfinal | Iga Świątek | 6–2, 7–5 |
| Semifinal | Jessica Pegula | 6–7(3), 7–5, 3–6 |
Alexandra Eala’s prize money from Indian Wells
Alex Eala can take plenty of positives away from her Indian Wells campaign, despite losing to Noskova on Tuesday.
One must remember that this was Eala’s debut run at the event, and yet she still managed to produce some of her best tennis.
The Filipina is also set to receive a significant paycheque following her run to the fourth round.
The 20-year-old will receive $105,720 in prize money following her performance in California.
Indian Wells 2026 WTA prize money per round
| Round | Ranking Points | Prize Money (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| First round | 10 | $24,334 |
| Second round | 35 | $36,110 |
| Third round | 65 | $61,865 |
| Fourth round | 120 | $105,720 |
| Quarterfinal | 215 | $193,645 |
| Semifinal | 390 | $340,190 |
| Finalist | 650 | $612,340 |
| Champion | 1000 | $1,151,380 |
Eala will look to continue her strong start to the year in Miami. However, if she is to repeat her heroics of last year, she must improve her first-serve potency.
Against Noskova, the Filipina made 57 per cent of her first serves, winning only 36 per cent of those points.
