"By the time I step on court, I feel like I’ve done everything I can to be prepared" - Preparation key for Alexandra Eala as she looks for first win over rival from bogey country

Alexandra Eala continues to make more progress at the Miami Open after a very commendable 6-3, 7-6(2) victory over Magda Linette to book her spot in the fourth round. Despite making the semi-final stage last year, she is still getting used to competing at the highest level as she looks to her Czech jinx against an inform opponent in the fourth round.

The match was routinely on serve for the most part. That trend buckled near the end of the first set when Eala stole a march on her opponent, breaking to move 5-3 ahead before holding to love to seal the first set. Linette had previously dumped out seven-time Grand Slam champion Iga Swiatek in the prior round. Eala also got the better of the Polish number one in Miami, taking her down last year on the way to a historic semi-final run. She was eyeing up more Polish success as he moved into a break advantage at the start of the second set. Linette got back on level terms and a tiebreak was in store. Eala stormed ahead into a 6-1 lead and only needed her second match point to secure what was a terrific win.

"I think I just had to move as much as I could because she was being a bit more aggressive," she told the Tennis Channel after the match. "She definitely changed some things—I’ll need to clarify exactly what when I watch the match again. I think I stayed solid, I fought, and I’m happy with that."

For many tennis fans and analysts, the serve is the obvious weakness in what is already a very strong overall game for Eala. It is a hugely crucial part of the sport and something she has been tirelessly working on.

She was satisfied with it today. "I think today was a good percentage day. I was getting a lot of first serves in," she said. "That gave me the freedom to go for my shots more, knowing my serve was solid. I think that’s what made the difference."

While she can practice and train her serve away from tournaments, being at these big events is something that can only be gotten used to by doing it. Eala being seeded in these top events is becoming a more familiar trend in WTA tournaments. "It does take some getting used to, but I’ve definitely warmed up to it," she acknowledged. "The facilities are amazing and we’re treated really well."

She recognises that her level must not slip, or she will face the harrowing consequences. "The biggest adjustment has been the level of the players—every match is very high level. You don’t really have room to let your guard down. It’s very demanding, but I’m happy to see progress in my game."

On top of this, the mental aspect can be devastating if not controlled, especially for Eala who has such a large following amassed over this last year. "It definitely takes a toll mentally, but that’s part of the process of becoming a better player and a more mature person. One thing I’ve been learning is how to switch off from tennis and fill my cup outside of the sport. That really helps."

She avoided a third round tie against Swiatek, but now Eala will face one of the best players in the world. Karolina Muchova has been electric at the start of the year, most notably winning the Qatar Open title. A classy player on court, injuries and consistency on court have blighted what could have been a special tennis career, but there is still more space for success.

"She’s been doing really well. I watched one of her finals a couple of years ago and thought, 'This is good,'" Eala stated. "I’m excited to see how I can compete with her. I’m sure I’ll be put in a lot of tough positions, but I’m really looking forward to it."

This is a rather ominous task for Eala. Muchova has only lost against Aryna Sabalenka, Coco Gauff and Iga Swiatek this year. Adding to that, Eala has never beaten an opponent from the Czech Republic at any level. On the WTA Tour, she has lost on nine separate occasions, including two in 2026. It could be 10th time the charm for last year's semi-finalist in a first clash against the former Roland Garros finalist.

The 20-year-old will stick meticulously to her pre-match routine. "First, I talk with my coaches and write in my notebook. Then I follow my routine—long warm-up, eating, showering—everything. Those habits subconsciously put me in the right state of mind and signal to my body that I have a match. By the time I step on court, I feel like I’ve done everything I can to be prepared."