Filipina tennis star Alex Eala on Saturday scored the biggest win of her career when she ousted former Grand Slam champion Jelena Ostapenko in the second round of the Miami Open.
Eala, 19, recovered from a 0-4 hole in the opening set to carve out a 7-6, 7-5 triumph.
"I am super overwhelmed right now. I'm still trying to process. This win means so much to me ... It leaves me wanting more," Eala told Dyan Castillejo of ABS-CBN News following her win.
READ: Alex Eala earns major upset, beats World #25 Jelena Ostapenko in Miami Open 2nd round
Eala said she had not been surprised by Ostapenko's fast start, but she never lost the confidence that she could overcome the early deficit.
"I just had to believe that I could do it and stay there. She is the type of player that can crack winners and can take huge leads. I think the belief in myself was a key in this match," said the Filipina.
Eala's exploits earned praise from tennis icon Rafael Nadal, under whose academy she had trained.
"What a great win for you and for [the Philippines]," Nadal said in a social media post.
Up next for Eala is a showdown against reigning Australian Open champion and world No. 5 Madison Keys, who defeated Russia's Elina Avanesyan in her own second round match.