Daria Gavrilova has produced a performance worthy of the Australian Open’s biggest stage, downing Irina Falconi to advance to the second round.
On the bright lights of Rod Laver Arena, Australia’s No.2 turned it on against the American qualifyier, winning 6-1 6-1 in 63 minutes on Monday night.
Gavrilova lost her opening serve then put together nine straight games to take a stranglehold of the match, progressing to a clash with Belgian world No.36 Elise Mertens on Wednesday.