Giant-killing Hsieh Su-wei has paid an emotional tribute to her Australian mentor Paul McNamee after dumping Wimbledon champion Garbine Muguruza from the Melbourne Park draw.
Taiwan's world No.88 eliminated third-seeded Muguruza 7-6 (7-1) 6-4 on Thursday.
Hsieh was almost in tears as she credited McNamee - the former long-time Australian Open tournament director - who was a conspicuous presence in her courtside box on Rod Laver Arena.
"He's always been around me and supporting me. He's amazing," said the 32-year-old ex-Wimbledon and French Open doubles champion.
"He was helping me to become world No.1 and be successful in doubles.
"But my goal to hire him at the beginning is to win a grand slam and then he pushed me to win two WTA singles (titles) and highest singles ranking.
"So it was amazing. We (have been) working almost four years together. Thank you, Paul."
Hsieh was jubilant after the biggest win of her career advanced her to a third-round clash on Saturday with Polish 26th seed Agnieszka Radwanska.
"It's amazing," she said.
"It's always a challenge (to play) a good player in the centre court.
"I keep hanging in there and try to play my shots and keep positive. I know she is going to give me a lot of pressure, especially when I was leading."
Muguruza had been one of five women with an opportunity to supplant Simona Halep from the world No.1 ranking with title glory at Melbourne Park.
Instead, the Spaniard's miserable summer is over, her second-round exit following mid-tournament withdrawals in Brisbane with severe cramping and Sydney due to a thigh injury.
Muguruza needed treatment for blisters against Hsieh but, graciously, didn't "think that was the reason why today it didn't go my way".
"She's definitely a very tricky opponent, and even more if she plays well," said the world No.3.
"I think today she played well. I maybe could have done things better but, at the end, she deserves to win."
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