Amanda Anisimova reacts to having to play Alex Eala for the very first time in her career at the Cincinnati Open
Amanda Anisimova gained safe passage through her opening-round match last night, and in doing so set up a mouth-watering clash with Alexandra Eala.
It is inarguably the tie of the third round, and it truly feels like this could be anyone’s game.
The Filipina superstar heads into this showdown in red-hot form, fresh off her maiden WTA-level title in Washington and a deep run in Toronto.
She will have even grander aspirations for the Cincinnati Open, but will face a stern test against a resurgent Amanda Anisimova, who will be well aware that she needs to up her game ahead of the US Open.
Speaking both on court and to Tennis Channel, she has insisted she’s ready for the challenge.
Amanda Anisimova is ready to face Alexandra Eala
Asked about Alexandra Eala immediately after she had beaten Zeynep Sonmez in straight sets, Anisimova first admitted: “No, I haven’t played her before. She’s been having such an incredible season, incredible year, and a very great player with a lot of fans. So I’m really looking forward to that.
“I know that it’s probably gonna be a very packed stadium, so, yeah, I’m sure it’ll be really fun.”
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She echoed that same sentiment whilst on the Tennis Channel desk, insisting she cannot wait to step into an atmosphere that, despite being an American playing in America, will likely be pulling for her opponent.
Anisimova added: “It’s true, yeah, she has a great fan base, and it looks like it’s an incredible atmosphere every time she steps out to play a match, so I’m really, really looking forward to it.
“I love the packed stadium, and I love a good atmosphere, so, yeah, I’m sure it’ll be a great match, even though they’re probably gonna be rooting for her, more for her end, but I don’t mind it, and I’ll try to thrive off of the energy.”
Eala won her match via retirement and sent a kind message to Elena Gabriela Ruse afterwards.
Amanda Anisimova’s precarious position ahead of the US Open
Last year, Anisimova enjoyed perhaps her best season on tour, reaching the final of two major events, albeit losing both.
Already, she was unable to defend those points at Wimbledon, losing in the third round, and with the US Open just around the corner, she will be wary of suffering a similar fate at her home Grand Slam.
After all, an early exit would certainly see her plummet down the rankings, having been a mainstay in the top ten for the past 12 months and beyond, with a career-high ranking of third.
Winning the Cincinnati Open, or at least going deep enough to offset some of that pressure, would be vital to retaining her spot around the apex of the sport.
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However, based on recent form, that might not be forthcoming.
Anisimova is entering a crucial few weeks in her season, and what she accomplishes here could define how this campaign is remembered.
