Anisimova gives 'fighter' Alex Eala high praise after Cincinnati thriller

Amanda Anisimova expected a battle when she stepped onto the court against Alex Eala—and that was exactly what unfolded in their first-ever meeting.

Eala impressed right away against the world No. 10 Anisimova in the Cincinnati Open Round of 32, grinding out a 6-4 Set 1 win before the latter found her footing to take the next frame and force a decider.

Anisimova had to dig deep in Set 3 after Eala soared a 2-0 lead off two straight backhand winners to close out Game 2.

The American captured the next six games, highlighted by a sweep in the final game that saw Eala commit back-to-back return errors.

READ MORE | Alex Eala vs Amanda Anisimova at the Cincinnati Open Round of 32

Despite the challenge, Anisimova was pleased to come away with the victory against Eala, whom she praised as both a great player and a fighter.

"I know Alex is such a great player and such a fighter, so I knew it was going to be a really tough match," Anisimova said in the post-game on-court interview.

"I'm really proud of this performance, for being able to find a way and kind of push myself there in the middle of the match. And yeah, I'm really happy with the way I was able to find my tennis and start fighting. It was a really tough match and credit to her."

By surviving Eala, Anisimova gained huge momentum ahead of another heavyweight clash in the Round of 16 against reigning Wimbledon winner Linda Noskova.

"Yeah, of course, another great player just off of a Grand Slam title, so she's playing some great tennis. But I'm just going to try and enjoy my win tonight," Anisimova added.

"But yeah, I mean, I'll think about that tomorrow and just kind of settle for now."

—Bea Micaller/JMB, GMA News