PARIS — Yuliia Starodubtseva defeated World No. 2 Elena Rybakina in the second round of the 2026 French Open. Starodubtseva, ranked World No. 54 at the time of the match, secured one of the biggest wins of her career on the clay courts of Roland Garros.

Starodubtseva began her tennis career playing collegiately at Old Dominion University, where she met Pearse Dolan, who is now her boyfriend and primary coach. The pair developed both a personal and professional partnership that has supported her transition from college tennis to the WTA Tour.

During her rise on the professional circuit, Starodubtseva faced financial challenges and launched a GoFundMe campaign to help cover training and travel expenses. Her perseverance paid off as she climbed the rankings, becoming the fourth-highest-ranked Ukrainian woman in the WTA as of the 2026 French Open.

Earlier in the year, Starodubtseva reached the final of the 2026 Charleston Open, where she lost to Jessica Pegula. Following their match, Pegula encouraged fans to learn more about Starodubtseva’s journey, drawing attention to her background and determination.

As Starodubtseva approached the WTA Top 50, she shared details of a personal milestone tied to her ranking. "He promised to propose to me if I broke into the WTA Top 50," Yuliia Starodubtseva said about Dolan. With her ranking at No. 54 during the French Open, she was close to triggering that promise. "He is getting scared," she added, referencing Dolan’s reaction to her rapid ascent.

Starodubtseva’s victory over Rybakina marked her first win against a top-five opponent. The win also guaranteed her a spot in the third round of a Grand Slam for the first time in her career.