Tennis pundits have picked their sides as Alex Eala and world No. 14 Iva Jovic face off in the Round of 32 of the US Open on Sunday.

Former world No. 1 Andy Roddick, who won the 2003 US Open, predicts the 21-year-old Eala will have the edge over 18-year-old Jovic as she enjoys a virtual home court advantage at the 23,000-seater Arthur Ashe Stadium, thanks to the Filipino fans expected to be in attendance.

Jovic, whose best Grand Slam run was a quarterfinal appearance at the Australian Open last January, has defeated Eala twice in as many encounters on the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) Tour.

“The third round that I have had circled on the women’s side. Get your popcorn ready. Two future and current stars: Eala and Jovic,” Roddick said.

“I hope they put this on Ashe. It might be an away game for Jovic even in America with Eala-mania.”

Meanwhile, former Wimbledon semifinalist John Isner said the Eala-Jovic match is only fitting to be played at the prestigious stadium, which opened in 1997 and has witnessed many historic moments.

Isner, a former world No. 8, also acknowledged Eala’s star power and her ability to pack stadiums.

“Jovic-Eala for me… that reeks of Arthur Ashe Stadium. She played after (Gael) Monfils the other night. It was a full house; it doesn’t matter where she plays,” Isner said.

“Ticket prices have surged over 134 percent for her matches. It’s kind of crazy. She certainly does (move the needle).”

“She just has it. The public wanna see her. Whether you’re playing in Washington, whether you’re playing in Toronto, whether you’re playing in Asia, whether you’re playing in New York, everybody wants to see her.”

A victory by Eala would make her the second Filipino netter to reach the Last 16 of the US Open since Felicismo Ampon last accomplished the feat in 1952.

Eala would also face either Cristina Bucsa of Spain or world No. 4 Coco Gauff of the United States in the fourth round if she gets past Jovic.