Ukrainian Tennis Player Yuliia Starodubtseva Opens Up Before Charleston Open Match

Starodubtseva discusses her personal life and interests ahead of her match against Jessica Pegula.

Apr. 5, 2026 at 4:18pm

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Ahead of her match against Jessica Pegula at the Charleston Open, Ukrainian tennis player Yuliia Starodubtseva opened up about her personal life and interests in an interview with Tennis.com. Starodubtseva, the World No. 89, talked about her boyfriend's love of American football, her own passion for techno music and driving, and how she initially got into tennis as a child in Ukraine.

Why it matters

As a rising star in the tennis world, Starodubtseva's personal story and interests provide insight into the life of a professional athlete beyond just their on-court performance. Her openness about her background and hobbies humanizes her and helps build connections with fans as she continues to gain prominence in the sport.

The details

Starodubtseva, a 23-year-old from Ukraine, played tennis at Old Dominion University in the United States before turning professional. She says she initially got into tennis at age 5, but it wasn't until around age 11 that she started winning tournaments in Ukraine. Now ranked World No. 89, Starodubtseva is set to face off against the more established Jessica Pegula in the Charleston Open on Easter Sunday. In the interview, Starodubtseva discussed her love of techno music, driving, and watching American football with her boyfriend, who is a big fan of quarterback Aaron Rodgers.

  • Starodubtseva and Pegula will face off in the Charleston Open at 1 p.m. Eastern time on April 5, 2026.
  • Starodubtseva's interview with Tennis.com was published on April 4, 2026, the day before her match against Pegula.

The players

Yuliia Starodubtseva

A 23-year-old Ukrainian tennis player currently ranked World No. 89 who is set to face off against Jessica Pegula in the Charleston Open.

Jessica Pegula

An American tennis player who is a more established star in the sport and will be facing off against the rising Yuliia Starodubtseva in the Charleston Open.

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What they’re saying

“It's funny thing you say that. We've been talking about it for a year, how I thrive on big stages. I may not perform on small stages sometimes, which I'm trying to fix.”

— Yuliia Starodubtseva, Tennis Player

“Hopefully I won't need to play on so many small stages. I feel like I belong here and I feel comfortable with a big crowd, feeling the noise. I feel it kind of inspires me and gives me more motivation.”

— Yuliia Starodubtseva, Tennis Player

“I love to drive, I like good cars. I like techno music, listening to a lot of that. Sometimes I read books, but I'm not sure if it's my favorite hobby, I just try to do it. Watching movies, TV shows, going to cinema here.”

— Yuliia Starodubtseva, Tennis Player

“I get influenced by my boyfriend, he watches a lot of American football so I have to sit there and watch it as well (laughing). He loves Aaron Rodgers. Me, too, now.”

— Yuliia Starodubtseva, Tennis Player

What’s next

Starodubtseva and Pegula's match at the Charleston Open on April 5, 2026 will determine who advances to the next round of the tournament.

The takeaway

Yuliia Starodubtseva's openness about her personal life and interests beyond tennis provides a glimpse into the multifaceted nature of professional athletes, humanizing her as she continues to rise in the sport and build a fanbase.