Alex Eala’s thrilling run of form continued as she cruised through her opening match at the Cincinnati Open, as she admitted her life has changed in recent weeks.
Eala, who is seeded No 17 for the WTA 1000 tournament, took her record on North American hard courts to an impressive 8-1 over the last few weeks as she beat Elena-Gabriela Ruse.
Eala was leading 6-1, 3-0 when her opponent was forced to retire, but she admitted her level was where she wanted it to be after another big-hitting display.
“I think that I was playing well, I think I felt the ball good, was really focused and tried to keep myself in the zone, I think I did a good job of that,” said Eala.
“Of course, nobody likes to finish a match with a retirement, first and foremost, I just want to wish Gabriela-Ruse a speedy recovery. Injuries aren’t fun, so I hope she recovers soon.”
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Eala’s star status continues to build, and another bumper crowd watched her opening match in Cincinnati.
There were plenty of Philippine flags in evidence as the Eala fan club got the win they were hoping for and she admitted she is having to adapt to life as a tennis A-lister.
“My days have gotten a little more packed with the commitments and spending time with you guys (the media), but obviously in a very good way, and I’m enjoying it a lot,” added Eala.
“I think it’s a good sign, and it’s helping me become, I guess, a stronger player and be more kind of established on tour.”
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Eala’s success on court is showing no sign of waning and this latest win saw her move up to a career-high No 18 in the live WTA Rankings.
She is also getting praise from high-profile voices, with former US Open finalist Greg Rusedski among her most vocal supporters.
Eala will now face a tough test against 2025 Wimbledon and US Open finalist Amanda Anisimova in Cincinnati, but Rusedski suggests she should fear no one after a thrilling run to the WTA Tour title in Washington earlier this month saw her beat as host of top players.
“Why should she care whether she’s playing an Anisimova, whoever’s in the section?” asked Rusedski on his podcast.
“Look at the people she beat to win Washington. It was world-class players from start to finish. Then she goes to Toronto running on fumes and emotions and still wins a couple of matches as well.
“So I’m not worried about it. She competes, she fights, she’s so mentally tough that it doesn’t matter who’s in her way. You’ve got to play great tennis to beat her. And I see her only going one direction and that’s up.
“She had a seven-match win streak on the WTA tour, which was impressive. By match eight against Bencic, she ran out of gas a little bit in Toronto, but she is one to watch in Cincinnati.”
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