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Alexandra Eala news
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
Alexandra Eala, ranked No.20, beat Elena-Gabriela Ruse in Cincinnati after Ruse retired trailing 6-1, 3-0. Her hardcourt surge makes her a US Open dark horse.
Background
Alexandra Eala, a 21-year-old from the Philippines, has risen to world No.20 after a breakthrough season that included her first WTA title at the Mubadala DC Open and a round-of-16 run at Wimbledon. She is currently 8-1 on North American hardcourts, drawing attention from former players and tournament officials.
How it unfolded
- Aug 1, 2026Eala won the Mubadala DC Open, defeating Jessica Pegula in the final.
- Aug 7, 2026Eala played at the National Bank Open in Toronto, later bowing out to Belinda Bencic in the Round of 16.
- Aug 13, 2026Eala arrived at Cincinnati for her first appearance at the Lindner Family Tennis Center.
- Aug 15, 2026Eala advanced in Cincinnati when Elena-Gabriela Ruse retired with an ankle injury while trailing 6-1, 3-0.
- Aug 18, 2026Eala is scheduled to face Amanda Anisimova in the third round.
Who’s saying what
- Analysts
- Greg Rusedski believes Eala should not worry about her tough Cincinnati draw.
- Support
- Madison Keys says Eala's rise has been 'so cool' to watch.
- Official
- Cincinnati Open Tournament Director lauded Eala's influence, saying 'haven't seen anything like this'.
Still unverified
Greg Rusedski's prediction is an opinion, not a fact.