Eala exited the tournament in the fourth round after being beaten comprehensively by Czech world no. 14 Karolína Muchova, 6-0, 6-2.

It’s the latest in a string of challenging results against Czech opponents for Eala, who has yet to defeat a Czech foe at the professional level.

“Maganda ‘yung nilaro niya,” Eala told TJ Manotoc of ABS-CBN News after the match. “Definitely, may mga times sa laro namin na, parang naramdaman ko na may magagawa pa ko pero hindi ko nagawa.”

“But ganoon lang ‘yung tennis. It’s not the end of the world so may susunod naman,” she added.

Eala’s rise to the upper echelon of the sport started in the 2025 edition of the Miami Open, when — as a wildcard — she defeated a slew of Grand Slam champions including Iga Swiatek and Madison Keys on her way to the semifinals.

This time around, she entered as the 31st seed and scored wins over Laure Siegemund and Magda Linette before bowing out in the last 16.

While she fell short of matching last year’s run, Eala noted that she has been more consistent this season.

“I leave Miami [na] happy pa din,” she said. “This season, magaganda din yung mga naging resulta ko. Quarter[finals] sa Dubai, fourth round sa Indian Wells, fourth round din sa Miami.”

“Kung sinabi mo ito sa akin last year dito sa Miami, hindi din ako mapapaniwala, ‘di ba? Kaya masaya pa din at hindi nadidismaya,” she added.

Up next for Eala is the Linz Open, where she will open her clay season.