Alexandra Eala’s run at the 2026 Miami Open came to an end in the fourth round when she lost to Karolína Muchová. After the defeat, tennis coach Brad Gilbert pointed out flaws in the Filipina’s game that contributed to her loss.
Last year, Eala burst onto the WTA scene by reaching the semifinals of the WTA 1000 hard-court tournament in Miami. During that run, she defeated several Grand Slam champions, including Jeļena Ostapenko, Madison Keys, and Iga Świątek.
What Brad Gilbert Says Eala Needs to Improve After Miami Open Defeat
Eala was seeded 31st at the 2026 Miami Open and began her campaign in the second round after receiving a first-round bye. In her opening match, she defeated Laura Siegemund 6-7(6), 6-3, 6-3 and then eliminated Magda Linette 6-3, 7-6(2) in the third round. She faced 13th seed Muchová in the fourth round and lost 0-6, 2-6..
Following Eala’s loss in Florida, a fan on X suggested that her defeat was due to her being “too one-dimensional” and an “imitator.” The fan also highlighted that the Filipina needs to develop her volley and serve.
“Brad, Eala needs your help. She’s solid on ground strokes, but thats about it. Way too one dimensional. Needs to develop volley and get to net as well as develop serve. Might be an assignment for you somewhere in her sphere. Right now she’s an imitator!” the fan posted.
In response to the fan’s comments, Gilbert said that in addition to improving her volley and serve, Eala also needs to enhance her “defending skills” to succeed at a higher level.
“Also needs to work on defending skills,” Gilbert posted on X.
Also needs to work on defending skills
— Brad Gilbert (@bgtennisnation) March 23, 2026
MORE: Alexandra Eala Admits Tennis Isn’t ‘Whole Life’ To Avoid 2026 Season Burnout
Gilbert also stated that, given Eala’s height and being a left-handed player, she needs to improve both her first and second serves.
“Muchova all over (Eala) 9-0, for someone of her height and especially being lefty needs to dramatically improve 1st and 2nd serv, shows how good other parts of her game are,” he added.
Muchova all over Ella 9-0, for someone of her height and especially being lefty needs to dramatically improve 1st and 2nd serv, shows how good other parts of her game are
— Brad Gilbert (@bgtennisnation) March 23, 2026
Following her victory over Eala, Muchová is set to face Victoria Mboko in the quarterfinals of the 2026 Miami Open. The Czech secured her place in the last eight by defeating Camila Osorio (4-6, 6-2, 7-5) in the second round and then triumphing over Katie Boulter (6-3, 7-5) and Eala in the third and fourth rounds, respectively.
Mboko, seeded 10th at the WTA 1000 hard-court tournament in Florida, began her campaign by overcoming Anna Blinkova (6-2, 6-0) in her opening match and then eliminated qualifier Anastasia Zakharova (6-1, 6-5) and eighth seed Mirra Andreeva (7-6(4), 4-6, 6-0) in the third and fourth rounds, respectively, advancing to the quarterfinals.
Muchová and Mboko have met only once on the WTA Tour, in the final of the 2026 Qatar Open, where the former world No. 8 secured a 6-4, 7-5 win, claiming her first WTA 1000 title and her second WTA Tour title overall.
The winner of the quarterfinal match between Muchová and Mboko at the 2026 Miami Open will advance to face either fourth seed Coco Gauff, sixth seed Amanda Anisimova, or 12th seed Belinda Bencic in the semifinals.
