By ADRIAN STEWART CO

Negrense tennis player Alexandra Eala saw her impressive campaign in the Indian Wells Masters come to an end after a straight-sets loss to Czech Republic’s Linda Noskova, 6-2, 6-0, in the Round of 16 in Indian Wells, California yesterday (Philippine time).

The No. 14 ranked Noskova dominated the match from the start, capitalizing on a strong service game and consistent returns to control the pace throughout the contest.

The Czech standout fired seven aces and won 77 percent of her first-serve points, keeping the No. 32 ranked Eala on the defensive.

Eala struggled to find rhythm on serve, committing three double faults and winning just 36 percent of her first-serve points.

She also failed to convert her lone break-point opportunity while Noskova converted five of eight chances.

Noskova finished with a commanding edge in total points won, 56-26, and broke Eala repeatedly to secure the victory in straight sets.

Despite the defeat, Eala’s run to the Round of 16 marked a notable showing in the tournament.

The Filipina previously defeated Ukraine’s Dayana Yastremska in a three-set battle in the Round of 64 and advanced past fourth seed Coco Gauff via walkover in the Round of 32.

The loss ended Eala’s bid for a deeper run in the prestigious WTA 1000 event, but her performance in reaching the last 16 remains one of the highlights of her campaign this season./ASC, WDJ