Seems like Alex Eala got all the rest she deserves in a short break after her fourth round exit in the Canadian Open. 

The Filipina star continues her North American swing on a high note as she zoomed to the Cincinnati Open third round after Elena-Gabriela Ruse retired due to an injury, at 6-1, 3-0, early Sunday (Manila time). 

It just took Eala 34 minutes to close out the first set against the Romanian, whom she bowed down to in their first meeting in the third round of the 2024 US Open qualifying tournament, 3-6, 6-1, 6-4.

In the middle of the second set, Ruse called for a medical time-out due to a right foot injury to have her right foot taped and eventually resumed the match. 

But not long after the match continued, it was suspended because of inclement weather as lightning strikes were reported around the venue. 

This sends Eala to a first-time meeting with world no. 10 and tournament ninth-seed Amanda Anisimova in the third round. 

“I haven’t played her before. She’s been having such an incredible season,” Anisimova commented on Eala. 

“ [A] very great player with a lot of fans. I’m really looking forward to that. I know it’s probably gonna be a very packed stadium. I’m sure it will be really fun.” the American added.