The fifth-ranked domestic player had the best tournament of her sports career
Ukrainian tennis player Yulia Starodubtseva fell just short of a historic title at the WTA 500 tournament in Charleston, USA. In the decisive match for the trophy, she was unable to overcome the world’s fifth-ranked player, American Jessica Pegula.
This was reported by RBC-Ukraine, citing the final results.
Also read: Worked 10 hours to earn money for tennis: WTA reveals the incredible story of Yulia Starodubtseva
WTA 500. Charleston, Final
Jessica Pegula (USA) – Yulia Starodubtseva (Ukraine) – 6:2, 6:2
The Battle of Statuses
Before the tournament began, Starodubtseva was ranked 89th in the world, while Pegula held the 5th spot. The Ukrainian started the competition from the qualifiers, while her opponent entered as the defending champion and top seed.
The chances that they would compete for the title in the final were slim, but it happened. Of course, Pegula was the clear favorite in the matchup. However, Yulia proved that she was in a state where she could defeat any opponent. Thus, hopes for another miracle remained.
Match Progress
Unfortunately, those hopes lasted only through the first four games, as the score in the first set was tied at 2:2. Both players held their serves, although Yulia found it significantly more challenging.
In the fifth game, Pegula made a break, which became a turning point. Starodubtseva was unable to win another point in the first set, losing 2:6.
The second set saw complete dominance from the American. Moreover, it seemed that Yulia would not avoid a “bagel.” However, she managed to secure some consolation games. First, on her opponent’s serve: trailing 0:5, the Ukrainian saved five match points. Then she won a point on her own serve. Unfortunately, this only slightly delayed her overall defeat – 2:6. The match lasted 1 hour and 23 minutes.
What the Final Means for Yulia
At the tournament in the USA, Starodubtseva reached further than the quarterfinals for the first time in her career on the Tour, and on her way to the final, she lost only one set in five matches played.
In Charleston, Yulia achieved her second most significant victory in her career, defeating another American, Madison Keys, who is ranked 18th in the world, in the semifinals. Her biggest win remains against “neutral” Anna Kalinskaya (14th in the world) in September 2024 at a tournament in China.
Next week, Starodubtseva will update her personal record in the world rankings, rising to 53rd place. Previously, her best achievement was 63rd position in August of last year.
Earlier, we reported how Angelina Kalinina lost her title in Croatia after a streak of 14 consecutive victories.
