Eala started strongly against the ninth-seeded Anisimova, taking the opening set 6-4 and putting herself in a promising position to reach the fourth round. However, the American responded with greater consistency and power, claiming the second set 6-4 before completing the comeback with a 6-2 victory in the deciding set.
Despite the loss, Eala’s run in Cincinnati adds another impressive chapter to what has been a breakthrough stretch for the young Filipino.
Just two weeks ago, Eala captured her first WTA 500 title at the Mubadala DC Open, marking the biggest singles title of her career. She also secured the Guadalajara 125 Open in Zapopan, Mexico, further underlining her rapid rise on the international circuit.
Anisimova, meanwhile, advanced to the next round and will face sixth seed Linda Noskova. The Czech player booked her place in the next round after defeating Denmark’s Carla Tauson, 7-6(3), 6-2.
Rybakina, Shnaider Advance
Second seed Elena Rybakina of Kazakhstan also progressed after overcoming Poland’s Magdalena Fręch, 6-4, 7-6(3).
Rybakina will next meet 14th seed Diana Shnaider, who defeated fellow Polish player Maja Chwalińska, 6-2, 7-6(3).
The results kept several of the tournament’s leading contenders alive as the Cincinnati Open moves deeper into the knockout stages.
Pegula, Swiatek Secure Places in Next Round
American third seed Jessica Pegula also advanced after producing a convincing 7-5, 6-2 victory over compatriot Emma Navarro.
Pegula will next face Romania’s 15th seed Sorana Cîrstea, who advanced after Anna Kalinskaya retired while trailing 0-5 in the deciding set. Cîrstea had lost the opening set 6-7(4) before responding strongly to take the second 6-1.
Meanwhile, third-seeded Iga Świątek recovered from a slow start to defeat Greece’s Maria Sakkari, 4-6, 6-1, 6-1.
The Polish star will meet France’s Diane Parry in the next round. Parry secured her spot by beating compatriot Loïs Boisson, 4-6, 6-4, 6-3.
Although Eala’s Cincinnati journey has ended, her recent title-winning performances in Washington and Guadalajara, followed by another deep run at a WTA 1000 event, signal her growing presence among the sport’s emerging talents.:::