Alex Eala will begin her WTA 1000 Cincinnati Open campaign with a second-round clash against Romania’s Elena-Gabriela Ruse.
The pride of the Philippines previously faced Ruse in the final qualifying round of the 2024 US Open, where she fell in three grueling sets, 3-6, 6-1, 4-6.
Ruse Still Searching for Breakthrough
World No. 77 Ruse continues to chase her first singles title of 2026. While she hasn’t reached a final this year, she advanced to the semifinals of the WTA 500 Bad Homburg Open last June and made the third round of the Australian Open.
The 28-year-old Romanian has compiled a 21-17 singles record this season but exited the WTA 1000 National Bank Open in Toronto in the Round of 64.
Alex Eala Eyes Another Deep Run
Seeded 17th, the 21-year-old Filipina received a first-round bye in Cincinnati. She is looking to build on her Round of 16 finish at the National Bank Open, where Belinda Bencic eliminated her, 4-6, 0-6.
This tournament marks Eala’s final stop before the prestigious US Open. Fans are eager to see if the Rafa Nadal Academy graduate can finally capture her first WTA 1000 title.
Alex Eala Next Match
Tournament: WTA 1000 Cincinnati Open
Event: Singles – Round of 64
Match: Alex Eala vs. Elena-Gabriela Ruse
Date: August 15 (Saturday)
Time: To be determined
