Amanda Anisimova Rallies Past Alex Eala 4-6, 6-4, 6-2 at Cincinnati Open

World No. 10 Amanda Anisimova advanced to the Round of 16 at the Cincinnati Open by overcoming Alex Eala in a three-set comeback.

World No. 10 Amanda Anisimova secured a spot in the Round of 16 at the Cincinnati Open by defeating Alex Eala 4-6, 6-4, 6-2 on Monday in Mason, Ohio. The victory for the American followed a two-hour and 11-minute marathon fifth game in the opening set, ultimately ending Eala’s bid for her 10th career win against a top-10 opponent. Despite the Filipina leading 2-0 in the final set, Anisimova won six consecutive games to close out the match and advance in the tournament.

Marathon Fifth Game and Opening Set

The initial set featured a competitive start as both athletes held serve through the first four games. Eala earned a break point in the fourth game, though Anisimova managed to hold. The momentum shifted during a grueling fifth game that lasted 20 minutes and 11 seconds. This single game included 13 deuces and saw Anisimova fail to convert eight break-point opportunities. Eala successfully fended off the pressure to take a 3-2 lead.

In the sixth game, Eala had two break points of her own, but the American leveled the set at 3-3. Anisimova finally broke Eala at love in the seventh game to lead 4-3. However, the 21-year-old Filipina responded by winning three straight games. She broke back in the eighth, held serve for 5-4, and pressured Anisimova's serve in the 10th game to secure the first set 6-4.

Second Set Momentum Shift

The second set remained on serve for the first six games, mirroring the early stages of the match. Anisimova, a former world No. 3, secured the first break of the set in the seventh game to move ahead 4-3. Unlike the previous set, she consolidated this advantage with a hold in the eighth game to reach 5-3. This solitary break proved sufficient for the American to take the set 6-4 and force a deciding third frame.

Anisimova Dominates Final Six Games

Eala began the third set with a strong surge, holding her opening service game and immediately breaking Anisimova to establish a 2-0 lead. The American responded by breaking back and initiating a six-game scoring run. By winning every remaining game in the set, Anisimova concluded the match with a 6-2 scoreline.

Following the match, Anisimova acknowledged the difficulty of the contest, stating that she knew it would be a tough match because Eala is a great player and a fighter. She noted that she needed a "pick me up" during the match and expressed appreciation for the support she received from the crowd in Mason.

Upcoming Schedule at Flushing Meadows

The loss concludes Eala's run in Cincinnati, where she had been seeking to add to the seven top-10 victories she recorded earlier this season. Her attention now turns to the US Open at Flushing Meadows. Eala is scheduled to compete in the women's singles draw and will partner with Felix Auger-Aliassime for the mixed doubles competition. Additionally, she is set to appear in the Stars of the Open exhibition event during Fan Week in New York.