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Amanda Anisimova looks ahead to Alex Eala clash at the Cincinnati Open Amanda Anisimova and Alex Eala are set for a mouth-watering third round clash at the Cincinnati Open. Eala defeated Elena-Gabriela Ruse thanks to a second set withdrawal from the Romanian star, while Anisimova defeated Zeynep Sonmez in straight sets in her opening match. There is just eight places separating Anisimova and Eala in the WTA Tour live rankings, so it’s one of the biggest ties to happen in the tournament so far. They are yet to play on the WTA Tour yet and Anisimova has opened up about her she feels about having to play one of the most in-form players in women’s tennis. Speaking during her on-court interview after defeating Sonmez, Anisimova said: “I haven’t played her before. She’s been having such an incredible season.. very great player with a lot of fans. More Alex Eala news Alex Eala makes candid confession after latest big win provides rankings boost Alex Eala is a ‘problem’ for her WTA rivals, says former world No 11 “I’m really looking forward to that,” she continued. “I know it’s probably gonna be a very packed stadium. I’m sure it will be really fun.” Anisimova’s season is yet to truly catch light in 2026, following the impressive form which took her to back-to-back Grand Slam finals in 2026. Her best performances so far this year came at the Australian Open, where she reached the semi finals, and the Dubai Tennis Championships, which saw her lose in the semi finals to Jessica Pegula. Eala, meanwhile, is enjoying her best run of form on the WTA Tour to date. The star won a Challenger at the Birmingham Open and followed it up by reaching the semi finals of the Berlin Open and the fourth round of Wimbledon on the grass. She continued that good form on the North American hardcourt swing by winning the Washington Open and reaching the round of 16 at the Canadian Open. Her latest victory at the Cincinnati Open against Gabriela-Ruse saw her climb two places in the WTA Tour live rankings, up to world No 18. The meeting between Anisimova and Eala will be fascinating as the gap between the pair has never been closer than right now. While Anisimova is currently above her in the WTA Tour rankings, some could argue that Eala will be the favourite heading into the event. Ahead of their match at the Cincinnati Open, Eala has picked up 20 more victories than Anisimova on the WTA Tour this year. Eala’s victory against Gabriela-Ruse was her 38th of the year, while Anisimova has won 18 after defeating Sonmez in round two of the Masters tournament. Anisimova has played 28 matches this year, while Eala has played 57, so the Filipina star will likely enter the tournament with better match fitness.