Filipino tennis standout Alex Eala, 20, has reached a new career-high, moving up from world No. 49 to No. 45 in the WTA rankings following her strong showing at the inaugural Philippine Women’s Open.

The young Pinay star, who entered the tournament as a wild card and second seed, made an impressive run to the quarterfinals, where she faced fifth-seeded Camila Osorio of Colombia.

Eala fought hard but eventually fell 4-6, 4-6 in front of a packed crowd at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex on January 29.

Eala will now return to the international circuit at the Abu Dhabi Open, taking the court late Monday night (Manila time) against Zeynep Sonmez in the round of 32.

She will also compete in doubles with Janice Tjen of Indonesia, facing the experienced duo of Leylah Fernandez and Kristina Mladenovic in the round of 16.