Alex Eala said she is taking her rapid rise in women’s tennis “step by step” as she adjusts to the growing spotlight after a breakthrough season that has seen her become the highest-ranked Filipino tennis player in history.

Eala made a mainstream U.S. television appearance Tuesday on CBS Mornings, where she discussed her career-best run at the U.S. Open, the pressure of representing the Philippines and her hopes of inspiring the next generation of Filipino athletes.

The 21-year-old Eala reached the third round of this year’s U.S. Open, her best showing at a Grand Slam, after making headlines in August by winning her first WTA Tour singles title at the D.C. Open. Her title run included victories over former world No. 1 Naomi Osaka and Jessica Pegula.

Her success has pushed Eala to No. 18 in the world, the highest ranking ever achieved by a Filipino tennis player.

Speaking to CBS, Eala said she tries not to focus too much on the bigger picture because the attention and emotions surrounding her rise can become overwhelming.

“I think step by step,” Eala said. “I try not to look so much at the bigger picture all the time because I can get lost and it can get overwhelming with a lot of emotions, especially with the support that I get.”

Eala also spoke about sharing the stage with players she grew up watching, including American stars Coco Gauff and Venus Williams.

She said it was “amazing” to compete alongside players she has long admired, noting that she grew up watching Gauff on television despite the American being only a year older.

The growing support from the Philippines, meanwhile, has brought both excitement and pressure.

“It definitely comes with pressure. But the life of a competitive athlete comes with pressure,” Eala said.

Asked about Billie Jean King’s famous description of pressure as a privilege, Eala said she strongly identifies with the idea.

“And I have never been able to relate to something more,” she said.

Eala added that her experiences throughout the year have helped her become more comfortable in high-pressure situations.

“I look forward to being in those situations,” she said.

With tennis gaining greater attention in the Philippines because of her success, Eala said she hopes her achievements can inspire young Filipinos to pursue their own ambitions.

“One thing I've learned this past year is really the power of representation and how deep of an effect inspiration can have,” Eala said.

She said hearing stories from people who support her has been particularly meaningful and expressed hope that her work on and off the court would encourage young people to chase their dreams.

“I’m here. I’m in New York. I’m competing in the U.S. Open. I’m from Manila,” Eala said. “And, you know, a dream is only a dream until it becomes a reality.”

Eala also picked Gauff as the player she was rooting for in the women’s U.S. Open quarterfinals, citing their friendship and the American’s recent form.

But beyond Gauff’s power and athleticism, Eala said she admires her friend’s mentality and grit.

“I love her mentality,” Eala said, praising Gauff as a “beast” on the tennis court.