Yulia Starodubtseva Achieves Historic US Open Victory

Yulia Starodubtseva has waited a long time for this feeling in New York. Twice she walked into the US Open main draw and left after a single match. This time, she walked on court like a player determined to rewrite that script — and did it with authority.

On Day 1 of her 2026 campaign, the Ukrainian swept past Germany’s Ella Seidel 6-2, 6-2, reaching the second round of the US Open for the first time in her career.

No drama. No wobble. Just a statement.

A Different Yulia in New York

This is Starodubtseva’s third appearance in the main draw of the American Grand Slam. The previous two ended abruptly in the first round, a harsh reminder of how unforgiving the majors can be, even for players good enough to qualify.

This time, she never let the door open.

She knew Seidel. The pair had met once before and Starodubtseva had also won that encounter in straight sets. The German came into the match ranked 123rd in the world, a dangerous floater but hardly an unknown quantity to the Ukrainian.

From the first game, Starodubtseva played like the one holding the answers.

First Set: Grip, Slip, Then Total Control

The match opened with Starodubtseva on the front foot. She attacked early in rallies, stepped inside the baseline, and quickly forced Seidel onto the defensive.

At 2–1, the pressure told. Starodubtseva broke serve, seizing the first real opening of the match.

Seidel tried to respond immediately, and for a brief moment, she did. The German broke back and closed the gap to 3–2, hinting at a possible contest.

That was as close as she got.

Starodubtseva tightened her game and took complete control. She reeled off three straight games, locked in behind her serve and dictating from the back of the court. Seidel found no way through, no rhythm, no sustained foothold.

The first set was gone in 6–2, and it felt decisive.

Second Set: A Sprint to the Finish

Any hope of a Seidel resurgence vanished early in the second set.

Starodubtseva surged to a 4–0 lead, breaking twice and smothering Seidel’s service games with deep, heavy returns. The German tried to reset, to slow the match down, to find some variation. Starodubtseva refused to let the scoreboard tighten.

Seidel did manage to get on the board, but the danger never returned. The Ukrainian managed the lead with composure, picking her moments to accelerate and never allowing nerves to creep in.

Another 6–2 set, another controlled performance.

After just 1 hour and 18 minutes, the handshake came at the net. For Starodubtseva, it marked more than a routine first-round win. It marked a barrier finally broken.

Final score: 2026 US Open, First Round

Yulia Starodubtseva (Ukraine) def. Ella Seidel (Germany) 2:0 (6:2, 6:2)

A New Milestone — and a Bigger Test Ahead

Starodubtseva has now achieved her best-ever result at the US Open. She previously reached the main draw in 2024 and 2025, once via qualifying, but both campaigns ended immediately.

Now she has guaranteed herself at least one more night under the New York lights.

Waiting for her in the second round will be the winner of the clash between American Robin Montgomery and Greek star Maria Sakkari. Two very different challenges: the home favorite with crowd energy at her back, or an established top-level player with Grand Slam pedigree.

Either way, the test will be steeper. But for the first time here, Starodubtseva will walk into a US Open second round with momentum and a clear sense that she belongs.

Ukrainian Surge in New York

Starodubtseva’s breakthrough comes in the middle of a strong showing from Ukrainian women in this year’s draw.

Seven Ukrainians reached the main draw, and several have already made their mark. Marta Kostyuk and Elina Svitolina are safely into the second round after winning their openers. Svitolina, the country’s top-ranked player, set the tone on August 31 with a confident victory over Argentina’s Solana Sierra, the world No. 91.

Not every story has been as bright. For Dayana Yastremska and Daria Snigur, the tournament ended after just one match. Oleksandra Oliynikova is still to play her first-round encounter, facing American Reese Brantmeier in what will close out the opening chapter for the Ukrainian contingent.

Against that backdrop, Starodubtseva’s run already stands out. This US Open is officially the most successful of her career. Now comes the real question: can she turn a long-awaited first step into a genuine run and push into the third round for the first time?

New York will have its answer soon enough.