Alex Eala falls to Linda Noskova in Round of 16, ends Indian Wells run

Alexandra “Alex” Eala bowed out of the Indian Wells Open after falling to Linda Noskova, 2-6, 0-6, in the Round of 16 on Wednesday (Philippine time).

Noskova, the world No. 14 from the Czech Republic, needed just 55 minutes to dispatch Eala and advance to the quarterfinals.

The Czech player raced to an early 2-0 lead in the opening set before Eala managed to get on the board. Noskova quickly regained control, however, and after Eala pulled within reach with another game, the Czech standout took command of the match—reeling off the next nine games to seal the straight-set victory.

Noskova also held the edge in nearly every statistical category. She fired seven aces to Eala’s none and dominated on serve, winning 77 percent of her first-serve points and 81 percent of her second-serve points. She also converted five of her eight break-point opportunities.

Earlier in the tournament, Eala received a first-round bye to advance directly to the Round of 64, where she defeated Dayana Yastremska to move on. She then advanced to the Round of 16 after Coco Gauff retired from their Round of 32 match due to injury.

In doubles play, Eala and partner Iva Jovic bowed out in the Round of 32 after falling to the tandem of Hailey Baptiste and Jelena Ostapenko.

Despite the setback, Eala will continue her Sunshine Swing campaign at the Miami Open.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News