Filipino tennis ace Alex Eala braces for tougher challenges ahead after her magical run in the Miami Open last week.

Eala, 19, said while she is thankful for the new opportunities she will receive, she knows she will have to work harder as she faces tougher and more experienced opponents in the coming months.

Eala made it as far as the semifinal of the Miami Open before losing to world No. 4 and home bet Jessica Pegula, 6-7, 7-5, 3-6.

“I’m proud of myself for pushing through those tough moments, as well as to have been able to make a statement for the Philippines in one of the biggest stages of tennis. Moreover, I’m thankful for all the positivity coming my way, and I pray that you all continue sending support through the highs and lows,” Eala said.

“I recognize that these two weeks have opened the door to so many opportunities for me, but along with those opportunities come a whole new set of obstacles I will have to navigate through.”

“The real work starts now.”

Eala is expected to make it to the Top 100 of the WTA rankings after her stellar Miami open run, which grants her direct entry into the main draw of the major tournaments, including Grand Slams such as the French Open, Wimbledon Championships, and the US Open.

The Rafael Nadal Academy graduate is projected to jump to No. 75 after entering the Miami Open at No. 140.

Eala’s next test could be as early as 21 April for the Mutua Madrid Open.

“I think every, every single player here has envisioned themselves as a successful tennis player. This is the goal: To do well on the WTA tour and to win Slams,” Eala said.

“The end goal is to win Slams and to get the rankings. I think this is a good step towards where I want to be.”