Daria Gavrilova’s late night/early morning Rome comeback over Muguruza only contributes to a 4-4 clay record this season.
Daria Gavrilova’s Decent Victory over Jennifer Brady in Strasbourg
24-year-old Gavrilova is showing some of the form that took her to a 12-6 record on clay in 2017. Hard court is undoubtedly her favoured surface. However, Gavrilova played hard court style on clay well against Jennifer Brady in Strasbourg. Prevailing 7-6, 7-6, it was an industrious display as opposed to a spectacular one. However, it’s always difficult to go back to the grass roots tournaments after an uplifting Premier Mandatory performance. It’s often harder being fancied to win than being the underdog with nothing to lose. Recently, Gavrilova has done both successfully.
Gavrilova must have felt peeved having to play Sharapova the afternoon after her early morning showdown with Muguruza in Rome. But like the true professional she is, she took her Sharapova defeat on the chin and moved on.
Gavrilova Seeks to Build Momentum Going Into French Open
Although the Australian has a preference for hard court, she is no stone jug on clay. There were signs in her recent victory in Strasbourg and last week’s Premier Mandatory event of a momentum shift.
Daria Gavrilova showed impressive strength of character in the 5-7, 6-2, 7-6 victory over Muguruza. It is something she can consistently draw strength from. The way she regained her self-belief despite being down-and-out in the 3rd set is stuff of champions.
Seeking to Improve on Last Year’s Final Appearance
A continued good showing in Strasbourg is important for the world No.24. Last year’s final defeat to Sam Stosur leaves Gavrilova with points to defend. Sam Stosur, although in poor form this season, seems to always find her form in Strasbourg. She put in her most complete performance of the season beating Sofia Kenin 6-3, 6-2. Gavrilova is a better player on clay than this time last year, despite the record not matching up. Stosur is next up for Gavilova, last year’s final becomes this year’s second round. The head-to-head stands at 2-2, but Stosur has victories chalked up against her name in both of the clay encounters. That being said, Gavrilova did have to withdraw midway through their latest encounter in Prague 2018.
For Daria Gavrilova, a second WTA Title would not be undeserved. It would also be a massive confidence boost going into next week’s French Open. A decent showing should secure a plus record for the Australian for the 4th year in a row on clay.
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