Gavrilova excited for Wimbledon campaign
Victorian world No.56 Daria Gavrilova is preparing for round one clash with unknown opponent Wang Qiang of China
London, UK, 27 June 2016 | AAP
Daria Gavrilova plans to pore over tapes of Wang Qiang in a bid to gain some insight into her first round Wimbledon opponent.
Australia’s summer sensation admits she knows little about the world No.73, apart from the fact she’s coached by Aussie Peter McNamara, a two-time Wimbledon doubles champion.
“I know him well,” Gavrilova said.
“But I’ve never played Wang. I don’t her know very well, never practised with her.
“I’ll get some vision and watch some of her matches, so I think I should be prepared.
“But she’s going to be tough. She hits pretty flat and a lot of Chinese girls are good on the grass, so it’s not going to be easy.”
The WTA’s 2015 newcomer of the year has experienced an up-and-down season since winning the Hopman Cup with Nick Kyrgios and then going within a whisker of making the Australian Open quarterfinals.
But Gavrilova feels she has the all-court game to make a run at The Championships.
“My game is good on every surface, so I’m not going to change anything,” she said.
“I feel good. I’ve had four matches on the grass, won two and been playing pretty well.”
Just being back at The All England Club is inspiration enough for the 22-year-old to perform.
“I love being here, so I’m pretty excited,” Gavrilova said.
“I feel like it’s completely different to all other Grand Slams, like the history here, wearing all white and the green and purple (theme).
“It’s a great thing and, to me, Wimbledon is something so special.”
Gavrilova opens her campaign on Tuesday along with fellow Australians Nick Kyrgios, Bernard Tomic, John Millman, Jordan Thompson and qualifiers Luke Saville and Matt Barton.