After breezing to the top of the world junior rankings and claiming three junior Grand Slam titles along the way, Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova might have been forgiven for thinking her move up to seniors would be a doddle.

So dominant was the then 15-year-old Russian on the circuit that she was handed a wild card for the main draw at Wimbledon in what would prove to be only her second career senior tournament.

But the experience would prove a chastening one for Pavlyuchenkova who was destroyed 6-0 6-1 in just 40 minutes by 10th seed Daniela Hantuchova, winning only 14 points along the way.

Many a top junior talent has headed into career meltdown after less. But Pavlyuchenkova quietly recovered and returned a year later to battle through three qualifying rounds back into the main draw proper.

This time there was to be no embarrassment for Pavlyuchenkova, still the youngest player in the draw, who beat 17th seed Alize Cornet and former quarter-finalist Li Na on her way to the third round.

It has been a story of steady improvement since, with a breakthrough into the world's top 50 last month followed up by a stunning straight-sets win over former world number one Jelena Jankovic in Indian Wells.

"Before, I was nervous because I was young and just coming onto the tour," said Pavlyuchenkova of her early setbacks.

"It was something new for me. They were all stars so it was hard to play them.

"But against Jankovic, I went on court and I believed I could win. I know she's a very good player. But I was really focused and I knew I could do it. I was not nervous - I was just enjoying playing."

Pavlyuchenkova, born in Samara, Russia, won her first junior Grand Slam at the Australian Open in 2006 when she defeated Caroline Wozniacki. She claimed the US Open in the same year, and repeated her win in Melbourne in 2007.

Frequently in interviews the laid-back Pavlyuchenkova would speak of her dream of emulating her junior achievements in the senior ranks and now she believes she has taken large strides towards that goal.

"I hope I can (win future Slams)," said Pavlyuchenkova.

"When I was in juniors I said I hoped I could do in seniors what I was doing in juniors. I finished as number one and won quite a few tournaments.

"Now I'm still thinking about what I said. I still believe in it and I am working hard for it. To do it this year is maybe too tough. But impossible is nothing, so I will do my best."