FILIPINO tennis ace Alexandra "Alex" Eala bowed out of the WTA 1000 Cincinnati Open after falling to world No. 10 Amanda Anisimova of the United States, 6-4, 4-6, 2-6, in the third round (round of 32) at the Lindner Family Tennis Center P&G Center Court Tuesday noon in Manila.
The loss ended Eala's 5-match winning streak against top 10 players, dropping her record to 9 wins and 5 losses.
Tied at 1-1, world No. 20 Eala started strong in the third set by winning two straight games but could not sustain that momentum for the rest of the match.
Anisimova fought back, winning the next 6 games capped by a perfect performance in the 8th game to end the match in 2 hours and 28 minutes.
The 24-year-old Anisimova said she expected a tough match against the 21-year-old Eala.
“I know Alex is such a great player and such a fighter. I knew it was gonna be a really tough match," said the 4-time champ in the court interview.
"There was quite a bit of support for me tonight so I really appreciate that, because I know how loved Alex is... and for good reason. But I really appreciated it because I felt like I needed a pick me up in this match because it’s past my bed time."
Anisimova advanced to the fourth round (round of 16) where she faces reigning Wimbledon champ Linda Noskova.
Eala exited the tournament with a prize money of $47,375 or P2.9 million.
The lefty netter will head to New York for the US Open slated from August 23 to September 13.
Eala will also play in the mixed doubles with ATP No. 4 Felix Auger Aliassime of Canada.
