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Gavrilova's friendly French Open fire

3 minute read

Strasbourg doubles winner Daria Gavrilova will put a life-long friendship aside when she meets Aleksandra Krunic in the French Open first round.

DARIA GAVRILOVA of Australia celebrates winning a point during the quarter final match of The Aegon Classic Birmingham at Edgbaston Priory Club in Birmingham, England.
DARIA GAVRILOVA of Australia celebrates winning a point during the quarter final match of The Aegon Classic Birmingham at Edgbaston Priory Club in Birmingham, England. Picture: Ben Hoskins/Getty Images

Daria Gavrilova will put a life-long friendship on hold when she begins her French Open assault against Aleksandra Krunic in Paris.

The pair were born less than a year apart in Moscow, with Gavrilova now a proud Victorian and Krunic representing Serbia.

Gavrilova will arrive in Paris with some unexpected silverware, after winning the Strasbourg International doubles on Saturday with compatriot Ellen Perez.

Buzzing after the win, Gavrilova said her opening Roland Garros assignment - on Monday or Tuesday - would present a unique challenge.

"I've known Krunic since we were little, we're really good friends and were actually having dinner in Rome, having a deep conversation and I said 'no we're going to play each other soon' and I jinxed it," the world No.63 said.

"It's going to be tough; she is a tricky opponent and it's always tough playing a friend.

"Some players actually lift their games and I think that's going to happen."

After making the quarter-finals in the Strasbourg singles, Gavrilova's arrival in Paris has been delayed thanks to her charmed last-minute pairing with Perez.

"It's the second time I've won a title as an alternate (doubles partner)," she said.

"It was a last-minute decision, but I'm really happy. I think I've gotten better every day and am still improving.

"It's a real positive and nice to go to Paris with a win."

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