MANILA, Philippines – Alex Eala's run at the 2026 Cincinnati Open came to an end after the world No. 20 Filipina fell to world No. 10 Amanda Anisimova, 6-4, 4-6, 2-6, in the Round of 32 on Tuesday in Mason, Ohio.
 |
| Photo courtesy: AFP |
The 21-year-old Filipina made a strong start in her first meeting with the American, taking the opening set after more than an hour of tightly contested tennis.
Eala showed remarkable composure in the opening set, surviving a marathon fifth game that featured 13 deuces and eight break points before eventually securing the set, 6-4.
Anisimova gradually found her rhythm in the second set, erasing Eala's early advantage to force a decider after another 6-4 scoreline.
Eala again surged ahead in the third, winning the opening two games and appearing poised to regain control against the world No. 10.
Anisimova responded with a decisive run, however, winning six consecutive games to close out the match in two hours and 28 minutes.
The defeat ended Eala's Cincinnati campaign after she advanced to the Round of 32 by defeating Romania's Elena-Gabriela Ruse, 6-1, 3-0, ret., in the Round of 64.
Eala had earned a first-round bye before dominating Ruse, who retired during a weather suspension after receiving treatment for a right-foot injury.
The loss also snapped Eala's six-match winning streak against top-10 opponents and ended another strong showing during her North American hard-court swing.
Eala arrived in Cincinnati after winning her maiden WTA singles title at the Mubadala DC Open and reaching the Round of 16 at the Canadian Open.
Her breakthrough season has also included victories over top-10 opponents Elena Rybakina, Elina Svitolina, Iga Swiatek, and Jessica Pegula.
Despite the setback, Eala leaves Cincinnati with valuable momentum as she turns her attention to the US Open, scheduled for August 23 to September 13.
Anisimova advanced to the Round of 16, where she will face Linda Noskova, who defeated No. 27 seed Clara Tauson, 7-6(7-3), 6-2.
— The Summit Express
Start the conversation. Share your thoughts, insights, or reactions, and connect with fellow readers.