Cincinnati Open 2026 Monday Preview: Zverev Faces Atmane as Eala-Anisimova and Jodar-Tabilo Headline August 17
The 2026 Cincinnati Open moves deeper into third-round action on Monday, August 17, with a compelling schedule featuring established stars, emerging contenders and several players looking to build momentum ahead of the 2026 US Open.
World-class tennis will once again take centre stage in Mason, Ohio, as Alexander Zverev faces Terence Atmane, rising Spanish star Rafael Jodar meets Alejandro Tabilo, and one of the most intriguing matches in the women’s draw pits Alexandra Eala against Amanda Anisimova.
With the US Open beginning on August 30, Cincinnati represents one of the final major tests of the North American hard-court swing. Monday’s matches should provide another revealing look at which players are finding their best tennis at exactly the right time.
Rafael Jodar vs. Alejandro Tabilo: One of Tennis’ Fastest-Rising Stars Faces Another Test
[12] Rafael Jodar (ESP) vs. [22] Alejandro Tabilo (CHI)
Few players have generated more attention during the North American summer than 19-year-old Rafael Jodar.
The Spaniard’s remarkable rise continued in Cincinnati when he survived a dramatic encounter with Denis Shapovalov, winning 7-5, 4-6, 7-5 after nearly three hours. Jodar trailed 5-1 in the deciding set and saved match points before completing the comeback, another indication of the competitive resilience that has accompanied his rapid climb.
Now he faces a familiar opponent in Alejandro Tabilo.
The head-to-head between Jodar and Tabilo stands at 1-1, adding another layer of intrigue to Monday’s encounter.
Tabilo dominated their first meeting at Indian Wells earlier this season, winning 6-1, 6-2. Jodar answered emphatically during his summer surge, defeating the Chilean 6-7(6), 6-4, 6-4 in the Washington semifinals on August 2.
That recent victory should give Jodar confidence, but Tabilo’s left-handed game presents challenges. His ability to open the court with the serve and forehand can make opponents uncomfortable, particularly if he is able to dictate early in rallies.
Jodar, however, has demonstrated an increasingly complete hard-court game. His athleticism, ability to defend and transition into attack, and growing confidence in pressure situations have made him one of the breakout players of 2026.
The key question may be how much Jodar has left physically after his marathon against Shapovalov. If he recovers well, his recent form makes this one of Monday’s most fascinating ATP matches.
Match Keys: Jodar vs. Tabilo
For Jodar: Stay patient against Tabilo’s left-handed patterns, protect the second serve and use his movement to turn defensive points into offensive opportunities.
For Tabilo: Attack early, use the lefty serve to create short balls and prevent Jodar from settling into extended baseline exchanges.
What to Watch: Jodar’s physical recovery and whether Tabilo can reverse the result of their recent Washington meeting.
Alexander Zverev vs. Terence Atmane: Top Seed Looks to Build Momentum
[1] Alexander Zverev (GER) vs. Terence Atmane (FRA)
Top seed Alexander Zverev continues his Cincinnati Open campaign against dangerous French left-hander Terence Atmane in another intriguing third-round contest.
Zverev was forced to work exceptionally hard in his opening match.
The German recovered from a set down to defeat Cameron Norrie 3-6, 6-3, 6-3 in two hours and 35 minutes, with the match finishing after 2 a.m. local time.
It was not necessarily the straightforward start Zverev would have wanted, but surviving difficult matches can sometimes be exactly what a title contender needs early in a Masters 1000 tournament.
Against Atmane, Zverev will again encounter an opponent capable of disrupting rhythm.
The Frenchman’s left-handed serve and aggressive baseline game can be particularly effective on quicker hard courts. Atmane has the firepower to make this uncomfortable if he serves well and consistently earns first-strike opportunities.
Zverev, though, owns significant advantages in experience, consistency and serving quality.
The German also knows Atmane’s game. Zverev defeated the Frenchman earlier this season at the Madrid Masters, although Atmane was able to apply pressure during that encounter.
Monday’s match therefore becomes another important measuring stick for the top seed.
Zverev will want to improve his level after the Norrie battle while conserving energy for the later stages of Cincinnati. With the US Open approaching, his ability to control matches behind his serve and shorten points could become increasingly important.
Match Keys: Zverev vs. Atmane
For Zverev: Establish the first serve, remain aggressive behind the backhand and avoid allowing Atmane to dictate with his forehand.
For Atmane: Serve at a high percentage, attack Zverev’s court positioning and use his left-handed patterns to prevent the German from finding a comfortable baseline rhythm.
What to Watch: Zverev’s recovery following his late-night victory and whether Atmane can consistently pressure the top seed’s second serve.
Alexandra Eala vs. Amanda Anisimova: Blockbuster First Meeting in Cincinnati
[17] Alexandra Eala (PHI) vs. [9] Amanda Anisimova (USA)
One of Monday’s most anticipated matches features two of the most compelling players in women’s tennis when Alexandra Eala meets Amanda Anisimova for the first time.
It is a matchup that combines Eala’s rapid rise with the proven big-match ability and explosive ball-striking of Anisimova.
Eala has been one of the stories of the 2026 season, and her strong North American hard-court summer has only increased expectations surrounding the 21-year-old from the Philippines.
She arrived in Cincinnati after another impressive run in Toronto, where she defeated Alycia Parks and Caty McNally before eventually falling to Belinda Bencic.
Eala continued that momentum in Cincinnati. After winning her opening match, she advanced from the second round when Elena-Gabriela Ruse retired with Eala leading 6-1, 3-0.
The challenge now becomes significantly greater.
Anisimova powered past Zeynep Sonmez 6-2, 6-3 in her opening match and enters the third round with the type of game that can overwhelm opponents when she finds her range.
The American’s greatest weapon remains her ability to take the ball early.
Few players can redirect pace as effectively off both wings, and her backhand remains one of the cleanest attacking shots on the WTA Tour. If Anisimova controls the baseline and consistently takes time away from Eala, the Filipino will be forced into a much more defensive position than she prefers.
Eala’s movement, left-handed patterns and competitive instincts, however, make this anything but straightforward.
She has increasingly demonstrated that she belongs in matches against elite opposition. Eala’s ability to change direction, absorb pace and find aggressive forehands from difficult positions could test Anisimova’s patience.
There is also considerable anticipation surrounding the match. Their Cincinnati encounter will be the first WTA meeting between Eala and Anisimova, giving Monday’s contest an added sense of unpredictability.
Match Keys: Eala vs. Anisimova
For Eala: Use variety, movement and the left-handed forehand to prevent Anisimova from consistently setting her feet. Extending rallies could also force the American to hit additional shots under pressure.
For Anisimova: Take the ball early, attack Eala’s second serve and dictate with her backhand before Eala can establish her preferred patterns.
What to Watch: Whether Eala can disrupt Anisimova’s timing. If the American is allowed to stand on the baseline and repeatedly unload on short balls, Eala could face a difficult night. If Eala turns the contest into a battle of movement, variety and problem-solving, the dynamics could change considerably.
Why Monday Matters at the 2026 Cincinnati Open
The Cincinnati Open has always been an important indicator ahead of the US Open, but Monday’s schedule offers an especially interesting mixture of established contenders and emerging stars.
Zverev is attempting to establish himself as one of the players to beat in New York. His opening victory demonstrated resilience, but he will want a cleaner performance against Atmane.
Jodar’s astonishing rise, meanwhile, continues to accelerate. Another victory over Tabilo would provide further evidence that the Spaniard’s summer results are part of something much larger than a temporary run of form.
And then there is Eala.
Her progress has become one of the major storylines of the 2026 women’s season. Facing a player of Anisimova’s quality in a high-profile Cincinnati match represents another opportunity to measure just how far her game has developed.
For Anisimova, Cincinnati offers an opportunity to build momentum of her own heading toward New York. Her aggressive hard-court game has always possessed major-championship potential, and a convincing run in Ohio would make her an increasingly significant name in the US Open conversation.
