Whether or not Alex Eala wins the Cincinnati Open, the experience she gains in Ohio could prove crucial to her upcoming US Open campaign.

The 21-year-old Eala said momentum will play a role as she looks to build on her recent surge, which saw her win seven straight matches en route to her first WTA title at the Washington Open before reaching the Round of 16 of the Canadian Open.

Eala will face world No. 77 Elena-Gabriela Ruse of Romania in the Round of 64 of the Cincinnati Open.

“Momentum exists. Momentum is a thing, I guess, but it's not concrete and it doesn't give you any 100% answers,” Eala said.

“A lot of matches can help with your confidence, but it doesn't guarantee anything.”

The Cincinnati Open will be Eala’s final tournament before she shifts her focus to the US Open, which starts on 30 August in New York City.

Meanwhile, former world No. 1 Andy Roddick of the United States praised Eala’s ability to use her slower serve to disrupt her opponents.

“Here’s the difference — it’s not just, anybody goes out there, hits a slow serve, and gets away with it. It’s Eala’s ability to crush the next ball if you don’t square up that return,” Roddick said.

“The difference is it’s not just making the serve or hitting a good return. It’s against Eala. If you don’t square it up, she’s able to hit that middle ball, both directions, with pace on the next shot.”