Yuliia’s professional breakthrough came during the 2024 tennis season, particularly at the WTA 1000 China Open. In a remarkable run, she secured a commanding victory against Anna Kalinskaya in Beijing, defeating the Russian player in straight sets, 7-5, 6-0. This victory was part of a larger series of successes that helped her break into the WTA top 100 for the first time, solidifying her status as one of the most promising young players on the circuit. Before this win, she had defeated strong and experienced players:
- Elina Avanesyan
- Kateřina Siniaková
- Laura Siegemund
Only Two Losses in Last 15
Starodubtseva is currently riding an impressive 13-2 winning streak as she heads into her next match against Coco Gauff. This streak highlights her rising momentum and growing confidence on the court, making her a formidable competitor for the American.
Where Does Starodubtseva come from?
Yuliia Starodubtseva, born on February 12, 2000, in Kakhovka, Ukraine, has long dreamt of becoming a rising force in the world of professional tennis. Growing up in a town now heavily impacted by the destruction of the Kakhovka Dam during the ongoing Ukraine conflict, her journey from Kakhovka to the global tennis stage has been marked by determination, resilience, and hard work.
Her tennis career really took off after she moved to the United States to play college tennis with the Lady Monarchs at Old Dominion University (Norfolk, Virginia). This phase of her career was pivotal in her development, allowing her to refine her game and prepare for the rigors of professional tournaments. After graduating from the college tennis circuit, Yuliia transitioned finally, via ITF, into the WTA Tour, where she continued to make strides with her aggressive playing style and mental toughness.
Starodubtseva Performs Strong at Majors
Earlier in 2024, she made her Grand Slam main draw debut at the Australian Open, where she faced Ons Jabeur and lost 3-6 1-6. Despite facing some of the top-ranked players, Starodubtseva remained focused and determined, earning respect for her competitive spirit.
Yuliia has demonstrated her competitive spirit by qualifying for the main draw of all the remaining Grand Slam tournaments after the Australian Open in 2024. She advanced through three consecutive rounds at Roland Garros, Wimbledon, and the US Open. This showcased her consistency across different surfaces. In Wimbledon, she notably defeated Belgium’s Alison Van Uytvanck in the first round (Round of 128). However, her run ended in the Round of 64, where she lost to Spain’s Cristina Bucsa, who coincidentally remains in contention at the China Open as well.
Step by step Climbing the rankings
Off the court, Yulia keeps her personal life private, focusing primarily on her professional growth. Her rise to prominence reflects the resilience and determination of a young athlete who grew up in a region now synonymous with hardship, and her success on the court is a symbol of hope for many in Ukraine. With each passing tournament, she continues to prove her potential and is well on her way to becoming a key figure in women’s tennis. As she stated herself several times to Ukrainian news СПОРТ.UA she wants to climb the rankings step by step. It sure is working for her. Coco Gauff is warned.