DARIA KEEPS LID ON WIMBLEDON EXPECTATIONS
HAVING learnt the hard way not to set lofty grand slam goals, Daria Gavrilova has modest hopes for Wimbledon.
Left shattered after suffering a first-round French Open exit last month, Australia’s new No.1 says winning one match on London’s hallowed lawns will be a pass mark.
The 23-year-old is up against dangerous Croatian qualifier Petra Martic tonight and is refusing to take comfort in her first-time seeding at the All England Club.
“Baby steps this year,” Gavrilova said. “I’ve been heartbroken a few times at slams, losing first round.
“My biggest goal is to finally get through first round. Actually I did here last year.
“It’s always tough to play first round of slams. It’s a different pressure. I’ll give it my best chance again.”
In reality, despite downplaying her prospects, the draw has presented Gavrilova with a golden opportunity to reach the second week.
The first higher-ranked player she is projected to meet is Russian 16th seed Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova in the third round, a rival just five places above her.
“I won’t go and look too far ahead,” Gavrilova said.
“I really believed that I could do really well there (at the French), at least making the second week.
“But, to be honest, the circumstances. I was really tired from playing so much tennis.”
Victory tonight would set up a second-round clash on Thursday with either Risa Ozaki of Japan or Czech Denisa Allertova.