Tennis greats see Alex-Serena duel

MANILA, Philippines — Former world champions are banking on Alex Eala to handle business in her Wimbledon opener and set up a blockbuster second-round showdown with American legend Serena Williams as the grass-court championships begin today at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in London.

Eala, the first Filipina seeded player in Grand Slam history at No. 29, and Williams, who returns on a wildcard after four years away, are in the bottom half of the 128-player draw. A win each would put them on a collision course in Round 2.

And like fans worldwide, tennis greats are already strapped in for what could be an epic: the 21-year-old rising star against the 23-time Grand Slam champion.

“I think Serena’s going to get through Maya Joint and I think Eala’s going to win her opener as well, so that’s going to be Serena and Eala in the second round. And that’s going to be another Center Court matchup,” said Canadian-British great Greg Rusedski on his “Off Court with Greg Rusedski” podcast.

Rusedski, 52, was Britain’s top player in the 90s and reached a career-high ATP No. 4.

Former world No. 1 Andy Roddick, 43, of the United States echoed the prediction.

So who takes it if they meet.

“This is a tough one because Eala switches directions really well. The one thing I’m worried about with Serena is someone hitting behind her when she’s moving,” said the 2003 US Open champion on his “Served with Andy Roddick” podcast. “Movement is going to be everything for her. That’s what we don’t know.”

“Serve looks good, ball-striking looks good. I haven’t heard a ton of reports – people are keeping it pretty locked up. Eala can spread the court and she can play in both directions. This is a really hard one. She can expose Serena, but she doesn’t serve that well.”