Australia’s own Kimberly Birrell caused another upset for the second day running at the Brisbane International, revealing the moment she felt "quietly confident".
The wildcard took on world No.35 Anastasia Potapova in the first match on Pat Rafter Arena.
She defeated the Russian in straight-sets 7-6 6-2 to move into the quarter-finals for the first time at a WTA 500 event.
Birrell said she relished playing in Brisbane in front of a home crowd.
"To play here is so special," the Queenslander said.
"To play well and to have all you guys behind me just means the world."
The first set was tight, with Birrell having multiple breakpoint opportunities, but she kept a positive mindset to take it out.
"I told myself to keep going and when I got to the tiebreaker, I felt like I had been on top the entire set, so I felt quietly confident," she said.
The win came just 24 hours after Birrell defeated second-seed and world No.8 Emma Navarro in the upset of the tournament.
The points earned in Brisbane move her from No.113 to a new career-high of No.99 in the live rankings.
Birrell’s family has been courtside all week and paid tribute to their support during some tough years on tour.
"It’s been a long road and I’ve had a few injuries, as does everyone in professional sport," the 26-year-old said.
"I’ve been super lucky to have such an incredible family and team behind me. They believed in me when I didn’t even think I was going to get back on court."
Birrell next plays the winner of two unseeded players: Ukraine’s Anhelina Kalinina and China’s Yue Yuan.
The opportunity to make the semi-finals is something she’s not overawed by.
"I really believe in the way that I’m playing and anything can happen, especially playing at home," Birrell said.
"I can’t wait to get back out here, [but] everyone’s a great tennis player, so it’s going to take another big effort, but I’m ready."
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