The Cincinnati Open is once again showing one of the most important truths in professional tennis: a match is rarely won simply by executing the original game plan better. It is often won by recognizing when that plan is no longer working—and adjusting before the opponent does.
Alex Eala’s Cincinnati Open campaign ended with a 4–6, 6–4, 6–2 loss to No. 9 seed Amanda Anisimova in the Round of 32. Eala had the American under pressure early, won the opening set, and even moved ahead 2–0 in the deciding set. But once Anisimova found her range, Eala’s tactical adjustments were unable to stop the momentum shift.
The final score does not tell the entire story. This was a match in which Eala had a workable game plan — but Anisimova gradually found the answers.
The 2026 Cincinnati Open women's singles draw has delivered a dramatic mix of tight matches, major upsets, and emerging contenders as the tournament moves toward its final stages.
Jessica Pegula booked her place in the semifinals after surviving a thrilling three-set battle against fellow American Amanda Anisimova, while Czech youngster Sára Bejlek produced one of the biggest upsets of the tournament by defeating world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka.
The matchup between Amanda Anisimova and Alexandra Eala was one of the most compelling third-round battles at the 2026 Cincinnati Open.
Many tennis fans entered the Cincinnati Open matchup believing Alexandra Eala could defeat Amanda Anisimova.
That expectation was completely understandable.
The 2026 Cincinnati Open, one of the biggest hard-court events on the WTA calendar, has reached the Round of 16, and the tournament is beginning to reveal its strongest contenders. With the US Open approaching, every match in Cincinnati carries additional importance as players look to build confidence, sharpen their hard-court games and make a deep WTA 1000 run.
The Cincinnati Open is being played on outdoor hard courts at the Lindner Family Tennis Center in Mason, Ohio, with the tournament offering 1,000 WTA ranking points to the champion.
New York City, Arthur Ashe Stadium — Under the glittering lights of Flushing Meadows, Aryna Sabalenka once again proved why she is the ultimate tigress of the WTA tour. With a 6–3, 7–6(3) victory over Amanda Anisimova, the world No. 1 captured her third consecutive US Open title, carving her name deeper into tennis history.