Amanda Anisimova engaged in a blockbuster battle with Alexandra Eala in the third round of the Cincinnati Open. Although the American eventually pulled off a hard-fought win, her intense emotions and frustration were also on full display throughout the closely contested encounter.
How Amanda Anisimova Reacted During Her Cincinnati Open Clash Against Alexandra Eala
Just days after her tearful exit from the Canadian Open, Anisimova bounced back in impressive fashion at the WTA 1000 event in Cincinnati. She claimed a dominant 6-2, 6-3 victory over Zeynep Sönmez in her opening match but faced a tougher test against Eala in their third-round showdown.
The Filipina made a strong start to the clash by clinching the first set 6-4. Clearly unhappy with her performance, Anisimova addressed her coach, Hendrik Vleeshouwers, and lamented her lack of fighting spirit.
“Not much fighting spirit, so yeah,” Anisimova said.
“You have no fighting spirit?” Vleeshouwers asked.
“Not in the first set, I guess. I lost,” she responded.
Anisimova, who is known for wearing her emotions on her sleeve during matches, also drew attention with her animated reactions as her frustration continued to build.
Nevertheless, the American raised her level and mounted a stellar comeback in the second set to force a decider.
Anisimova was in much better spirits after sealing a remarkable 4-6, 6-4, 6-2 victory, having overcome a 0-2 deficit in the third set. During her on-court interview, the 24-year-old took pride in her ability to push through the difficult moments and find a way to fight back in the battle.
“I’m really proud of this performance actually, for being able to find a way and push myself there in the middle of the match. I’m really happy with the way I was able to find my tennis and start fighting. It was a really, really tough match and credit to her, she was playing some great tennis. So, really happy with this win,” Anisimova said.
MORE: Amanda Anisimova Reduced to Tears As Canadian Open Struggle Against Elina Svitolina Takes Its Toll
Up next, No. 9 seed Amanda Anisimova is set to lock horns with No. 6 seed and reigning Wimbledon champion Linda Nosková in the fourth round of the Cincinnati Open. If she emerges victorious, the American will take on Jessica Pegula or Sorana Cîrstea in the quarterfinals.
This article originally appeared on Pro Football Network.