By ruling Birmingham Open, Alex Eala joins Billie Jean King, Maria Sharapova in elite company

With her historic title run at the Birmingham Open, Alex Eala did more than lift a trophy as she secured a place alongside some of the biggest names in tennis history.

The 21-year-old Filipina star lived up to her top-seeded billing, cruising through her first three matches in straight sets before digging deep in the final two rounds. Eala outlasted Rebeka Masarova in the semifinals and Czech star Nikola Bartunkova in the finals, both in three sets, to complete her title-winning run.

READ MORE | Alex Eala wins WTA 125 Birmingham Open title after outlasting Nikola Bartunkova in thriller

With the victory, Eala etched her name alongside some of tennis' biggest stars, including Billie Jean King, Pam Shriver, Maria Sharapova, Petra Kvitova, and Madison Keys, all of whom previously ruled the prestigious grass-court tournament.

"It sounds really beautiful. Of course, all those names that you've mentioned are tennis greats and I am so honored to be lifting this trophy today," Eala said in her post-game speech.

King, a multi-time Grand Slam winner, ruled Birmingham Open for back-to-back editions in 1982 and 1983 before Shriver reigned supreme for the next four years to become the tournament's winningest singles player.

Former world No. 1 Maria Sharapova captured the Birmingham title in back-to-back years in 2004 and 2005, while Czech great Petra Kvitova and American star Madison Keys also count themselves among the tournament's distinguished list of champions.

But despite joining an elite group of champions, Eala said she does not yet consider herself among the sport's greats, stressing that she still has plenty of room to grow and intends to use the milestone as motivation to keep improving.

"But lifting this trophy does not mean that I will be among the greats yet," she added.

"So I'm motivated to keep working and I'm grateful for the part this this trophy has played in my journey."

Eala also tipped her hat to Bartunkova, with whom she partnered with in the doubles event of the same tournament. Together, they put up a gallant stand before losing to Harriet Dart and Maia Lumsden in the Round of 16.

"I'd also like to thank Nikola for the kind words and I want to congratulate you for an amazing week and it's one of those days I wish we could both win," Eala said.

"This match was incredible, I think it's anyone's game, so congratulations." —Bea Micaller/JMB, GMA News

HIGHLIGHTS | Eala vs Bartunkova -- Birmingham Open Finals