Andrea Petkovic predicts who is going to win a Grand Slam first out of Alex Eala and Iva Jovic

Alex Eala and Iva Jovic reignited their exciting rivalry at the US Open, where the American overcame her Filipina friend.

Eala and Jovic met in the third round of the Grand Slam in New York, where the latter battled past the former 7-5, 3-6, 7-5.

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Jovic was full of praise for Eala after their clash at the US Open, which followed an exhibition between the two rising stars during Fan Week at Flushing Meadows.

Both youngsters have now been discussed by former WTA player Andrea Petkovic, who has been tasked with predicting who will win a Grand Slam title first.

Andrea Petkovic backs Alex Eala for Grand Slam success ahead of Iva Jovic

Speaking on The Rennae Stubbs Tennis Podcast, Petkovic commented: "I think both will win one, I think that is important for me to say.

"I think Eala will win one before Jovic, just because she is two years older. I am not picking her because I believe in her tennis more or less.

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"I just think two years of maturity [will help], even though Iva Jovic is probably the most mature person I have ever spoken to! It is really incredible.

"Still, I think it's difficult to account for these two years that Eala has on her. The extra bit of experience and having been in certain moments. The extra bit of life experience, not only being in tournaments.

"But honestly, who cares? Because both of them are the future and present of women's tennis and both of them are so amazing to watch and right now women's tennis is in such a great place.

"It's incredible. I have been waiting for this my whole life."

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Comparing the WTA careers of Alex Eala and Iva Jovic

Both Eala and Jovic have experienced a rapid rise, while their recent meeting in New York certainly suggested that the future of women's tennis is in very safe hands.

They have enjoyed similar career milestones so far, with both players in the WTA top 20, having claimed one title each.

It is, however, the 18-year-old American who holds the bragging rights in her head-to-head with the 21-year-old Filipina.

The players have now met three times in their exciting WTA careers after New York, with Jovic winning all three matches.

And all three have arrived this year; Jovic beat Eala in the first round of the French Open, before triumphing in their round of 16 clash at Queen's.

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Close friends on and off the court, the two superstars have also played doubles together at the likes of Indian Wells.

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