PUTTING the past behind her, Linda Noskova quickly asserted dominance over former juniors tormentor Alex Eala on Wednesday, ending the Filipina’s impressive run in the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells.
The Czech world No. 14, who lost her two matches against Eala during their time in the juniors, proved too strong for the Filipina rising star this time as she wrapped up a 6-2, 6-0 fourth-round victory in just 55 minutes.
Noskova advanced to the quarterfinals where she will face qualifier Talia Gibson.
The defeat ended Eala’s campaign in the first leg of the prestigious 'Sunshine Double' on U.S. hard courts, with the Miami Open up next, as the Filipina continues her bid to build on last year’s breakthrough.
To reach the round of 16, Eala defeated world No. 4 Coco Gauff via walkover, and Dayana Yastremska in the second round. She earned a bye in the opening round as part of the 32 seeded players in the tournament.
The next level
Noskova drew first blood against Eala in their pro tour rivalry, finally getting a win after the Filipina had beaten her twice in the juniors level at the Le Petit As tournament and the 2020 French Open girls’ event.
The loss ends Eala’s run in her seventh tournament of the season following a quarterfinal finish in Dubai and stints in Qatar, Abu Dhabi, the Philippine Women’s Open, the Australian Open, and the ASB Classic in Auckland.
She is also nearing the expiration of the 390 ranking points she earned from last year’s Miami Open semifinal run, a breakthrough stretch that featured a string of upsets.
That iconic campaign propelled Eala into the Top 100, earning her direct entry into Grand Slams and higher-level tournaments.
This year's Miami tournament runs from March 15 to 29.
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