Yuliia Starodubtseva caused a major upset by defeating the No.2 seed Elena Rybakina in a thrilling women’s singles match at the French Open. Starodubtseva, ranked 55th in the world, secured her first victory against a top-10 opponent with a remarkable comeback, winning 3-6, 6-1, 7-6(10-4). This victory marked a significant milestone in her career.
The 26-year-old Ukrainian, who had previously lost all six matches against top-10 players, delivered a stellar performance to outplay Rybakina. Starodubtseva’s win over the highly ranked opponent was the highlight of the tournament so far, showcasing her determination and skill on the court. Following this impressive win, she advanced to the third round of the competition.
Starodubtseva, a former college player and tennis coach in the United States, expressed her joy and pride after the match. She acknowledged the challenge posed by Rybakina, praising her opponent’s skills and resilience. Despite facing tough moments during the match, Starodubtseva remained focused and determined to secure the victory.
Rybakina, who had the opportunity to claim the top spot in the WTA rankings, faced a tough battle against Starodubtseva. Despite initially dominating the match and taking the first set 6-3, Rybakina struggled to maintain her lead as Starodubtseva fought back fiercely. The Ukrainian player’s strong performance, coupled with Rybakina’s unforced errors, ultimately led to Starodubtseva’s triumph.
