It wasn't easy for the world No.33, who overcame Czech Kristyna Pliskova 7-6 (7-2) 6-3 7-6 (10-8) in almost three hours. 

Pliskova pushed the Australian in the opening set to produce the first tiebreak of the match but Gavrilova showed grit and skill to dominate and win the opening set. 

Pliskova broke early in the third set to open a 4-0 lead before Gavrilova fought back to save to match points and level the scores. However, as the set drew on and with neither player able to break the other, it became obvious that it was going to go to a tiebreak. 

Gavrilova now faces world No.4 Karolina Pliskova. 

Ash Barty will take to the court tomorrow to face US Open doubles partner CoCo Vandeweghe in the opening round. Fellow Aussie Anja Tomljanovic will play in the Korea Open against Alison Van Uytvanck.