Regardless of what happens, Alex Eala’s rise in the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) ranking is unstoppable after advancing to the quarterfinals of the Dubai Tennis Championships.

The 20-year-old Filipina is expected to climb the WTA standing to as high as No. 32 after posting a masterful 7-5, 6-4 win over Sorana Cirstea of Romania in the Round of 16 of the women’s singles event early Thursday (Manila time) at the Aviation Club Tennis Centre.

Eala is battling world No. 4 Coco Gauff at press time for a victory that will not only send her to the top 30 of the world ranking but will also give her a chance to duplicate her miraculous run in a prestigious WTA 1000 event after advancing to the Final Four of the Miami Open last year.

Also, she is already assured of $98,500 — or around P 5.7 million — for making it as far as the quarterfinal and a win over Gauff will help Eala bank $197,000 — or around P 11.4 million — while tying her with her best WTA finish ever.

Eala, who had shown vastly-improved serves and elite shotmaking in the final leg of her Middle East swing, couldn’t contain her emotions after sending the world No. 32 packing before a massive crowd composed mainly of overseas Filipino workers and expatriates.

“Super special! Every round is such a battle and so filled with tension so I’m really happy with how I performed and really happy to be able to share it with all of you,” Eala said.

“The key to today was staying calm and trusting my shots. I think I was very solid in particular moments where I needed to be so yeah, that reflected in my performance and in the score, I guess.”

She revealed that one technical focus made a significant difference in her latest triumph.

“I think stepping was one of the things we talked about and just being mindful of my legs more than anything,” she added, emphasizing that her improved footwork and balance serve as the keys to her solid execution.

But in Dubai, it has not just been about tactics. The crowd has also turned the hard courts into something resembling home turf for the Filipina.

“Somewhat, I’m aware of what happens over here, it’s basically the same thing I want to imagine!” Eala said, admitting that she was overwhelmed by the support of her countrymen everywhere she goes.

“But yeah, the waves of support have made every single match all the more special, and it’s so difficult to describe the emotions and the actual experience of playing in front of this crowd. So, I’m really grateful to be here.”

The support has been deafening at times, with Filipino flags dotting the stands and chants echoing long after the final ball was struck.

But the celebration should not last long. Awaiting Eala is Gauff, who is just one year older but had already accomplished a lot of things, including a major title and several WTA crowns.

Eala, however, is not shying away from the opportunity, saying that she’s quite familiar with Gauff after playing with her in the women’s doubles event of the Italian Open last year.

“Honestly, I don’t know! I think that I’m on a good path and if I continue like this, the next match will be great. I’m looking forward to it,” Eala said.

“Coco is such an amazing person, and we tend to forget that she’s just a year older than me! But she’s a great role model for so many, so I’m really excited for that match.”

Gauff, for her part, understands what it means to play in front of a partisan crowd. After all, the 22-year-old American has navigated hostile arenas before and emerged stronger for it.

“I mean, I played with a couple of people in their home — well, crowds are mainly for them. Jasmine (Paolini) in Rome, (Lois) Boisson in Roland Garros. It won’t be the first time,” Gauff said, referencing past battles in Europe.

“I don’t know. I feel like it’s great for the sport to have this atmosphere. It’s very fun, regardless of whether the crowd is for you or not.”