Gavrilova cautious going into Wimbledon

She's Australia's new No.1 but Daria Gavrilova isn't making any bold Wimbledon statements after enduring too many grand slam heartaches in the past.

Daria Gavrilova

Australia's Daria Gavrilova is confident she has prepared well for Wimbledon. (AAP)

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 on Tuesday 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, Friday's draw 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.

"I'm only in my second consistent year on the tour so I'm still learning a lot."

The former world junior No.1 says she is happy with her grasscourt build-up.

"I've had a pretty good few weeks, played some pretty good tennis on the grass, so I'm ready to go," Gavrilova said.

Victory would set up a second-round clash on Thursday with either Risa Ozaki of Japan or Czech Denisa Allertova.


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Source: AAP


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