Filipina tennis sensation Alex Eala is bracing for a formidable challenge as she prepares to lock horns with world No. 10 Amanda Anisimova in the third round of the Cincinnati Open in Ohio on Monday, August 17.
This upcoming match marks the inaugural career showdown between the 21-year-old Eala and the 24-year-old American, a former world No. 3 and two-time Grand Slam finalist.
Eala, who holds the 17th seed in the WTA 1000 tournament, secured her third-round berth following an abbreviated second-round encounter against Elena-Gabriela Ruse. The Filipina was dominating 6-1, 3-0 before Ruse was forced to retire owing to a right foot injury.
Addressing reporters after the match, Eala expressed sympathy for her opponent’s setback.
“It’s unfortunate that we weren’t able to continue the match and first and foremost, just wish Gabby a speedy recovery. Health is just the number one priority for everybody so I hope she gets better soon,” she stated.
Reflecting on her performance on the court, she noted her satisfaction with her rhythm.
“I think I played really well. I think I found my groove and I was able to hold that until I guess the end of the match, so I’m really happy with it,” she added.
On the other side of the draw, ninth-seeded Anisimova punched her ticket to the third round by sweeping Zeynep Sonmez in a straight-sets 6-2, 6-3 victory.
Looking ahead to her first encounter with Eala, the American expressed enthusiasm about testing her skills against the rising star.
“I haven’t played her (Eala) before. She’s been having such an incredible season, incredible year. Very great player with a lot of tennis fans,” Anisimova remarked.
Anticipating an energetic environment propelled by Eala’s enthusiastic supporters, she shared her eagerness for the atmosphere.
“I’m really looking forward to that. I know that it’s probably gonna be a very packed stadium. I’m sure it will be really fun,” she added.
Eala enters the contest riding impressive momentum, highlighted by her breakthrough WTA Tour title at the Mubadala DC Open and a fourth-round appearance at Toronto’s National Bank Open.
Meanwhile, Anisimova boasts a stellar Grand Slam campaign this year, featuring an Australian Open quarterfinal run alongside third-round appearances at both Roland Garros and Wimbledon.
A win against Anisimova would grant Eala her seventh victory against a Top 10 competitor this season and the 10th of her professional career, setting up a fourth-round clash against the victor of the match between reigning Wimbledon champion Linda Noskova and Clara Tauson.