Eala falls to Noskova, bows out of Indian Wells Open

Sports

ALEX Eala still couldn’t solve the “Czech curse.”

The 20-year-old Eala fell to another Czech opponent, bowing to Linda Noskova, 2-6, 0-6, in their Round of 16 match of the Indian Wells Open on Wednesday (Philippine time), March 11, in California.

Eala struggled mightily, bowing out of contention after winning over World No. 4 Coco Gauff via walkover in their Last 32 match last Monday,

Eala was ahead, 6-2, 2-0, when Gauff retired due to an injury.

In their first-ever meeting as professionals, Novoska proved too much for the world No. 32 Eala, whose other win in the tournament came at the expense of Dayana Yastremska in the second round, 7-5, 4-6, 7-5.

Novoska was the 12th Czech player that Eala faced with. With the tough loss, Eala is now 0-12 against players from the Czech Republic.

Despite the exit, Eala is still expected to move up in the WTA rankings. Based on the live rankings, Eala is ranked No. 28.

With her Round of 16 appearance in the WTA 1000 event, Eala pocketed $105,720 (around P6.2 million).(CCM)