EXCLUSIVE: Alex Eala makes the most out of surprising deep Miami Open run

Metro Manila, Philippines - The incredible Cinderella run continues for a rising star in a major tennis tournament.

Alex Eala advanced to the Miami Open quarterfinals following the withdrawal of her opponent, Paula Badosa of Spain, in their fourth round match on Tuesday.

The 19-year-old ace made history as the first Filipino to defeat a top 10 player after shocking reigning Australian Open champion and world No. 5 Madison Keys, and pulling off another stunner against world No. 25 Jelena Ostapenko of Latvia.

Eala said she was not expecting to be part of the final eight in the Miami Open as she entered the competition as a wildcard entry.

"I didn't expect to be in the quarterfinals, that's for sure. I just try to take it match by match. Miami Open is a tournament that I look forward to every year. I'm lucky enough to get a wild card again this year, so I knew that I had to make the most out of it and do my best as soon as I got out on that court," she told NewsWatch Plus in an exclusive interview.

What's the secret to her current impressive stint? Having a strong support system consisting of the closest people in her life.

"My coach, my family, and my team were just telling me to believe that I could do it. I think that was my biggest driving force and biggest reason as to why I'm here, is because I believe I can do it every match," Eala said.

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Eala, currently ranked 140th in the world, said continuous improvement is always her main goal while she aims to be the best in the sport.

"Long term, I want to be on top. The goal and the dream has always been to win grand slams and to be world number one. I just want to reach my full potential and just be the best version of myself."

Eala will face world No. 2 Iga Swiatek of Poland in the quarterfinals on March 26.