Alexandra Eala of the Philippines returns a shot during a match against Amanda Anisimova of the United States on day seven of the Cincinnati Open at Lindner Family Tennis Center on August 17, 2026 in Mason, Ohio. Emilee Chinn, Getty Images/AFP
(UPDATED) Filipina tennis star Alex Eala squandered a one-set advantage and lost to American ninth seed Amanda Anisimova in a three-set battle to exit the ATP-WTA Cincinnati Masters on Monday (Tuesday in Manila).
Eala could not hang on to a one-set lead and an early advantage in the decider, as Anisimova battled back for a 4-6, 6-4, 6-2 victory in their third round encounter.
The Filipina had taken a 2-0 advantage in the third set before Anisimova fought her way back to level at 2-all. On her serve, Eala was ahead 40-15 in the fifth game before the American stormed back, firing two well-placed winners to force deuce.
A seventh double-fault by Eala gave a break point to Anisimova, and the American was quick to convert with a forehand winner for a pivotal 3-2 lead.
Anisimova, the world No. 10, powered past Eala the rest of the way, holding to love to close the match.
She and Eala had split the first two sets, with the Filipina claiming a stunning fifth game in the opener that lasted 20 minutes. Anisimova was unable to convert nine break points, but then responded with a comfortable hold to tie the set at 3-3.
With Anisimova up 40-15 and threatening to take a 5-3 lead, Eala powered through to break back, 4-4. Eala then broke at love to close out the first set 6-4.
In the second set, Eala held a composed opening game and broke to lead 2-1. But the World No. 10 turned the tables to break for a 4-3 lead and eventually claimed the set, 6-4.
Anisimova will face world No. 8 Linda Noskova in the round of 16. Noskova defeated Clara Tauson, 7-6, 6-2, to advance.
-- with a report from Dyan Castillejo, ABS-CBN News