Amanda Anisimova knows exactly what could be waiting for her when she steps on court against Alex Eala at the Cincinnati Open — a loud, packed stadium filled with fans eager to see the Filipina star.
Ahead of their highly anticipated third-round clash, the World No. 10 American admitted she is expecting a huge crowd when she faces Eala for the first time in her career.
“I haven’t played her before. She’s been having such an incredible season, incredible year. Very great player with a lot of fans,” Anisimova said after securing her second-round victory.
Then came the statement that could add even more hype to the matchup.
“I’m really looking forward to that. I know that it’s probably gonna be a very packed stadium. I’m sure it will be really fun,” she added.
The remark is another indication of just how much attention Eala has been attracting during her breakthrough season, with Filipino supporters repeatedly turning up in force during her tournaments across North America.
Now ranked World No. 20, Eala has become one of the hottest names on the women’s tour after a string of impressive results that have dramatically raised her international profile.
The Filipina advanced to the Cincinnati third round after Romania’s Elena-Gabriela Ruse retired because of an injury with Eala firmly in control, 6-1, 3-0.
But the next challenge promises to be much tougher — and potentially much louder.
Anisimova, one of the top American players on tour, will stand across the net in what will be the first-ever meeting between the two rising stars.
The American’s comments also highlight another weapon Eala has increasingly brought with her from tournament to tournament: the passionate Filipino crowd.
Eala’s matches have drawn vocal support from Filipino fans abroad, transforming some venues into what can feel like home-court territory for the young Filipina.
And Anisimova appears fully aware of what could be coming.
The showdown comes amid a remarkable stretch for Eala, who recently captured her first WTA title at the Mubadala DC Open before reaching the Round of 16 at the National Bank Open in Toronto.
Her rapid rise has turned each succeeding match into must-watch tennis for Filipino fans.
Now, with Anisimova herself predicting a packed house, the Cincinnati showdown is shaping up to be more than just another third-round match.
It could become another Alex Eala crowd takeover.