Daria Gavrilova\u2019s late night\/early morning Rome comeback over Muguruza only contributes to a 4-4 clay record this season.<\/p>\n
24-year-old Gavrilova\u00a0is 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\u2019s always difficult to go back to the grass roots tournaments after an uplifting Premier Mandatory performance. It\u2019s often harder being fancied to win than being the underdog with nothing to lose. Recently, Gavrilova has done both successfully.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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\u2019s Premier Mandatory event of a momentum shift.<\/p>\n
Daria Gavrilova\u00a0showed 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.<\/p>\n
A continued good showing in Strasbourg is important for the world No.24. Last year\u2019s 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\u2019s final becomes this year\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
For Daria Gavrilova, a second WTA Title would not be undeserved. It would also be a massive confidence boost going into next week\u2019s French Open. A decent showing should secure a plus record for the Australian for the 4th year in a row on clay.<\/p>\n
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