ALEXANDRA Eala will look to settle the score when she faces Romania’s Elena-Gabriela Ruse in the round of 64 of the Cincinnati Open on Saturday (Philippine time).
The 21-year-old Filipina, currently ranked No. 20 in the world, will meet Ruse in a rematch of their previous encounter in the 2024 US Open qualifying tournament.
Ruse holds the edge in their head-to-head record after defeating Eala, 3-6, 6-1, 6-4, during their qualifying clash two years ago.
Eala enters the Cincinnati tournament as the No. 17 seed following another strong stretch on the WTA Tour.
She recently reached the round of 16 at the National Bank Open in Toronto after winning her maiden WTA Tour singles title at the Mubadala DC Open in Washington.
The Filipina is also coming off a demanding season in which she has played more matches than any other player on the WTA Tour.
Ruse, 28, enters the match ranked No. 77 in the world and owns a career-high ranking of No. 51. She is right-handed, while Eala plays left-handed.
With a first-round bye due to her seeding, Eala will begin her Cincinnati campaign in the round of 64, where she will have another opportunity to advance in the WTA 1000 tournament and strengthen her preparation for the upcoming US Open. (Adrian Co)
