Getting to know Lauren Davis

MELBOURNE – World No. 76-ranked Lauren Davis was one point away from the biggest upset Down Under. Facing world No. 1 Simona Halep on Rod Laver Arena, the American led 40-0 at 11-10 in the deciding set. She would fall, 4-6, 6-4, 15-13 in three hours and 45 minutes.

But the world doesn't know Davis that well, thanks in part to the crowded number of American women toggling the spotlight inside the Top 100. Here are some facts to remember for the next time she takes the big stage:

1

Davis reached her career high just last year

She's ranked No. 76 at the moment but climbed to No. 26 last May after winning her first career WTA title in Auckland. Davis has also reached two finals (in 2016) and has scored wins over Victoria Azarenka and Jelena Ostapenko.

2

Positivity has made all the difference

Davis was incredibly thoughtful and positive in the press room after her loss to Halep, showing that a lot can be taken from so-called failure.

"Throughout my career I have always struggled with being so critical and being hard on myself. So I made a commitment to myself before this tournament that I'm going to be my own best friend and just my greatest supporter, and accept all that God has to give me," Davis said. " I showed myself what I'm capable of. I think there is a ton of positives, looking at it, and I'm excited for what the future holds for sure."

3

She's just 5'2"

Though she's one of the smaller players on tour, Davis packs a lot of power. She's an aggressive player, who uses her foot speed to get one more ball back before taking control of the point and often ending it with a backhand winner or even a volley.

"I have always looked up to Halep, because she's probably like two inches taller than me," Davis said. "She uses her speed to take time away and rush her opponent. She's super agile and dynamic around the court. That's exactly how I play. I think we have shown the world that we can be the best."

4

You can find her on the water

Davis puts a lot of work into her fitness, but that doesn't necessarily mean gym time. Based in Florida, she has the ability to mix it up with beach and even water workouts.

"I do a lot of cross training, so I try and keep it fun, not try to be in the gym all the time, so I do things like paddle boarding, a lot of fitness on the beach, which is really good for your body," Davis said. "I do a lot of yoga. I do things that I really enjoy and that support my lifestyle."

4

Her father is a writer who you may have heard of

Dr. William Davis is the author of the Wheat Belly series, and wrote the introduction as well as ghost wrote Novak Djokovic's book Serve to Win: The 14-Day Plan for Physical and Mental Excellence.

5

Her coach gets creative

Davis' coach Mark Schanerman is just a few years older than her and the two clearly have a lot of fun together. At Indian Wells last year, this exchange was captured:

“I heard the dollar is going down a little bit,” Schanerman told Davis, “but it’s still stronger compared to the euro. So, you know, I’ve got a lot of emerging markets, a lot of positives going.”

Read Joel Drucker and Nina Pantic on TENNIS.com as they report from the Australian Open, and watch them each day on The Daily Mix:

JANUARY: THIS MONTH ON TENNIS CHANNEL PLUS

NEW SEASON, MORE TENNIS! Get Tennis Channel Plus now at BuyTCPlus.com

A LOT of tennis action will be played on Tennis Channel Plus from January through June

Don't miss out on the coverage of the Australian Open over the next two weeks!