Australian Fed Cup captain Alicia Molik says Daria Gavrilova can bounce back from a “shocker” in her opening singles rubber.

The world No.26 was comprehensively beaten on Saturday by Ukrainian teenage star Marta Kustyok 7-6 (7-3) 6-3 to lock the tie up at 1-1 heading into Sunday’s reverse singles.

“It was a tough day (for Gavrilova) and I’ve been in that situation many times where I’ve had a bit of a shocker on day one, it’s no big deal,” Molik said.

Australia started the tie as heavy favourites, with Ukraine missing world No.3 Elina Svitolina and Kustyok the team’s highest ranked player at 185.

Rather than Australia being under pressure on Sunday, Molik said she was expecting her team’s experience to win out.

Ashleigh Barty will face Kostyuk first up on Sunday after the Australian No.1 survived an early scare to win her singles match against Lyudmyla Kichenok.

“You’ve got a player (Barty) who’s dealt with a lot of pressure and expectations and plays a mature game,” Molik said.

“Marta probably hasn’t been in a situation like this before, so tomorrow is a must-win for her and it’s probably unfamiliar territory for her.

“She’s brave, young and moves really well.”

Kustyok was making her Fed Cup debut but played with the poise and nous of an experienced veteran.

Kustyok said she was not surprised by how well she was playing at just 15.

“They say hard work pays off so I don’t think it’s a fairytale … I’m playing good tennis,” Kustyok said.

“I don’t think I have to be worse or better (against Barty) but I think I have to play a bit differently.”

Barty will team up with Casey Dellacqua if a doubles rubber is required against Ukraine’s pairing of Nadiia Kichenok and 14-year-old Dasha Lopatetskaya.