After Grand Slam disappointments away from Melbourne Park, Daria Gavrilova is refusing to look beyond her first-round match at 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 – and her sometimes doubles partner.
“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.