Alex Eala breaks silence in first interview after Indian Wells defeat to Linda Noskova

Alexandra Eala’s Indian Wells campaign wrapped up on Tuesday as she was well beaten by Linda Noskova in the round of 16.

Eala, who had defeated Dayana Yastremska and an injured Coco Gauff earlier in the tournament, could not get her serve going and lost 2-6, 0-6.

The Filipina is now winless in 11 matches against Czech players on the WTA Tour. She will be hoping to turn things around at the Miami Open.

After the match, the 20-year-old said she never quite felt comfortable out there, struggling to find any rhythm.

Alex Eala admits ‘nothing clicked’ during her loss to Linda Noskova

According to the Filipino outlet ABS-CBN, Eala said after the defeat: “Tough match. 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.”

She pointed out that there was little value in revisiting their previous meeting, as they last faced off as juniors back in 2018, both only 13 years old at the time.

“I’d be a fool to base my information [from] playing her at 13, when she was 13,” Eala began by saying.

“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.”

She added: “I’m in the fourth round of Indian Wells.

“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 now heads into the Miami Open with plenty at stake after making a surprise semi-final appearance last year.

She entered as a wildcard and put together an impressive run, knocking off Madison Keys and Iga Swiatek before falling to Jessica Pegula.

This time around, the 20-year-old will be defending 390 WTA ranking points – more than any other event on her calendar this season.

Alexandra Eala’s Indian Wells prize money

Despite falling to Noskova, there were still plenty of bright spots for Eala to take away from her time in California.

It is worth noting that this was her first appearance at Indian Wells, yet she still managed to produce some of her best tennis.

The 20-year-old is also set to earn a significant payday after making the fourth round, picking up $105,720 in prize money from the tournament.

2026 Indian Wells WTA prize money per round

Eala will be looking to keep her strong start going when she heads into Miami. But if she wants to match last year’s performance, she will need to sharpen up her first serve.

Against Noskova, the Filipino made 57% of her first serves but only managed to win 36% of those points.

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