MANILA — Alexandra Eala’s impressive Cincinnati Open run ended in a hard-fought three-set defeat as ninth-seeded American Amanda Anisimova rallied from a set down to oust the Filipina, 4-6, 6-4, 6-2, in the third round Monday night (Tuesday in the Philippines) in Mason, Ohio.
The No. 17-seeded Eala threatened to extend her breakthrough season with another deep WTA 1000 run after taking the opening set, but Anisimova seized control over the final two frames to complete the comeback.
Eala converted three of her seven break-point opportunities, but Anisimova capitalized on five of 17 chances and eventually wore down the 21-year-old Filipina.
The American also held the advantage in total points won, 110-99, and games won, 16-12.
Anisimova’s stronger serving proved crucial in the turnaround as she won 64 percent of points on both her first and second serves. Eala managed to win 58 percent of her first-serve points and 54 percent on her second serve.
Both players committed seven double faults, but Anisimova fired three aces while Eala failed to record one.
Despite the loss, Eala wrapped up another encouraging campaign at a WTA 1000 tournament as she continued to establish herself among the world’s leading players.
The Filipina entered Cincinnati riding the momentum of her maiden WTA Tour singles championship at the Mubadala DC Open and a Round of 16 appearance at the National Bank Open in Toronto.
Her Cincinnati run also propelled her to a career-best No. 18 in the WTA live rankings before her third-round defeat.
Eala will now shift her focus to the US Open, where she will attempt to sustain her breakthrough season and continue her climb toward the WTA Top 10./PN
