Final Preview: Starodubtseva Stands in Way of Pegula Repeat

By Richard Osborn Apr 4, 2026 07:50pm ET

89TH-RANKED UKRAINIAN NEW CHALLENGE FOR DEFENDING CHAMP

[5] Jessica Pegula (USA) vs. Yuliia Starodubtseva (UKR)
Sunday, Credit One Stadium, not before 1 p.m.

Until a last-minute spot opened up due to Amanda Anisimova’s withdrawal, Yuliia Starodubtseva wasn’t even in the main-draw at the 2026 Credit One Charleston Open.

The onetime Old Dominion University star, born along the Dnieper River in Ukraine, however, is sure making the most of her opportunity. Having the week of her life, the 26-year-old is into her maiden WTA Tour final, clinched on Saturday in dominant fashion with a 6-1, 6-4 upset of fifth seed Madison Keys.

Not bad for a player who not long ago was clocking hours instructing recreational players at a country club in the suburbs of New York City. (On green clay, no less.)

“Feeling a little proud of myself today,” said Starodubtseva.

And deservedly so. There’s nothing fluky about it. Starodubtseva has played far above her ranking this week, like she’s been at this level all along.

“I feel like I belong here, and I feel comfortable playing in a big crowd and feeling the noise,” she added. “It inspires me and gives me motivation to play… Emotions are kind of overwhelming, but I’m trying to stay calm and just think about next match.”

Yuliia Starodubtseva

That next match just so happens to be against the top seed and defending champion Jessica Pegula. It’s a challenge unlike any she faced in her years as an ODU Monarch.

“It’s funny, recently someone told me that I should maybe watch a bit more Jess Pegula and try to play like she plays,” said Starodubtseva. “I like how she plays, and I think she’s a great fighter. This tournament kind of shows that, as well. She got through a lot of three-setters. She’s achieved quite a lot in her career, and I feel like I just need to kind of focus on doing what I’ve been doing this whole week.”

For the uber-steady Pegula, who’s reached the quarterfinals or better in her past 10 tournaments dating back to 2025, it’ll be like heading into uncharted waters: A first-time encounter with a player she doesn’t know all that much about.

“It seems like she likes the clay,” observed Pegula. “Super crafty. Seems like she’s a good athlete. She played pretty lights-out [against Keys]. I’m kind of taking a couple of hours before I have to tap into watching some of her matches, and see what she’s done really well and what she’s been doing here, too. But I’ve never played her, never practiced with her, so it’s definitely going to be tough playing somebody like that.”

Pegula has gone the distance in all four of her matches this week, the queen of three-setters. Don’t be surprised if Sunday’s final goes that way, too, as these two opponents get a feel for each other’s games.