Alex Eala’s strong stretch on North American hard courts carried into Cincinnati, where she opened her campaign with another convincing display and a further sign of how quickly her standing in the game is changing.

Seeded No 17 at the WTA 1000 event, Eala improved her recent hard-court record in North America to 8-1 after defeating Elena-Gabriela Ruse. She was ahead 6-1, 3-0 when Ruse was forced to retire, but the performance still reflected the level Eala has been producing in recent weeks.

“I think that I was playing well, I think I felt the ball good, was really focused and tried to keep myself in the zone, I think I did a good job of that,” said Eala.

“Of course, nobody likes to finish a match with a retirement, first and foremost, I just want to wish Gabriela-Ruse a speedy recovery. Injuries aren’t fun, so I hope she recovers soon.”

A large crowd was again on hand for her match, with Philippine flags prominent among the support. Eala said the growing attention around her has altered her routine, but in a way she is welcoming.

“My days have gotten a little more packed with the commitments and spending time with you guys (the media), but obviously in a very good way, and I’m enjoying it a lot,” added Eala.

“I think it’s a good sign, and it’s helping me become, I guess, a stronger player and be more kind of established on tour.”

Her victory lifted her to a career-high No 18 in the live WTA Rankings. The next challenge is Amanda Anisimova, the 2025 Wimbledon and US Open finalist. Former US Open finalist Greg Rusedski believes Eala is ready for that test, pointing to her title run in Washington earlier this month and her ability to keep competing through a demanding schedule.

“Why should she care whether she’s playing an Anisimova, whoever’s in the section?” asked Rusedski on his podcast.

“She competes, she fights, she’s so mentally tough that it doesn’t matter who’s in her way. You’ve got to play great tennis to beat her. And I see her only going one direction and that’s up.”

Novak Djokovic’s first appearance at the Cincinnati Open since 2023 ended quickly, with the veteran falling in his opening match and leaving the court after a difficult afternoon in hot, humid conditions.

Playing for the first time since his Wimbledon semi-final defeat to Jannik Sinner last month, Djokovic began well enough by taking the opening set. But the match then turned sharply as Thiago Agustin Tirante of Argentina grew into the contest and Djokovic struggled to cope with the conditions.

The 24-time Grand Slam champion appeared uncomfortable throughout the latter stages, at one point gesturing toward his box as he tried to understand why he was having so much trouble managing the heat. His energy dropped as the match went on, and he was sick on court before eventually losing 2-6, 6-4, 6-4.

After the match, Djokovic was asked whether this might have been his last outing in Cincinnati. He did not close the door completely, but his answer carried uncertainty.

“I certainly hope so, but it looks more likely not, unfortunately. But let’s see what the future brings.”

He also pointed to the physical issues that have been affecting him in recent years, saying they become especially difficult when the weather is humid and hot.

“It’s just the condition that I have health-wise,” he stated. “It’s been bothering me for the last couple of years. And a lot of issues, especially when it’s humid and hot.”

“It is all these things. Nerves and everything involved makes it worse. So that’s what happened.”

For Tirante, the result was the most significant win of his career. He handled the pressure of facing one of the sport’s most accomplished players and stayed composed when the key moments arrived.

“This is the best win of my career,” declared Tirante. “I really did a good job on the court. I managed very well the nerves of playing against a legend like Novak. Now I feel relieved.

“It is all so much pressure when you cannot break [serve]. I had so many points to break and I couldn’t, so that was the key. Keep believing in myself with my team and think about it after the match.”

Jannik Sinner’s preparations for the 2026 US Open have taken another step forward after a report said the Italian has completed shockwave therapy on his knee.

Sinner has not competed since beating Alexander Zverev in four sets in the Wimbledon final on 12 July, a result that allowed him to retain the title at the All England Club. His absence from the Canadian Open did not come as a major surprise, as he had also skipped that event in 2025. The more notable setback arrived when he pulled out of the Cincinnati Open.

The five-time Grand Slam champion said he withdrew from the Masters 1000 event because of a right knee injury. “After consulting with my doctors and my team, I have to announce that I need to withdraw from the Masters 1000 tournament in Cincinnati,” Sinner said.

“My right knee has been bothering me and even though we have been working hard with my medical team, I have to accept that I’m not ready to compete yet.

“I can’t wait to be back next year and I’m now focusing on getting ready for the US Open.”

That decision means Sinner is not scheduled to play another tournament before the 2026 US Open, which begins on Sunday 30 August. A report in La Gazzetta dello Sport from journalist Richard Crivelli provided the latest update on his condition.

“The world No 1 remained until yesterday at JMedical in Turin, one of his primary clinical facilities, to complete shockwave therapy on the inflamed area,” Crivelli wrote.

“Now, he has a couple of days in Monte Carlo to celebrate his 25th birthday with his family, then between Monday and Tuesday, he’ll be packing his bags for New York.

“At that point, Jannik will have a dozen days of training [before the US Open].”

Sinner will be targeting a second US Open title in New York after lifting the trophy at Flushing Meadows in 2024. In 2025, he was beaten in the final by his biggest rival, Carlos Alcaraz, in four sets.