Yuliia Starodubtseva, an emerging talent from Ukraine, has grabbed the spotlight at the 2025 Madrid Open. Her remarkable journey from qualifier to the Round of 16 in a WTA 1000 event demonstrates her resilience and growing skill on the big stage.

Qualifying Success and Strong Early Wins

Starodubtseva’s Madrid quest began in the qualification rounds. She powered past formidable opponents, including Czech wildcard Linda Fruhvirtova and Italy’s Elisabetta Cocciaretto, both in straight sets. This early momentum set the stage for her standout run in the main draw. Her ability to maintain composure in pressure situations has defined Starodubtseva’s uptick in form this season.

Upsetting a Top Seed: Defeating Liudmila Samsonova

The true headline came in the third round. Yuliia Starodubtseva faced the in-form Liudmila Samsonova, seeded 18th. Despite dropping the first set 2-6 and trailing in the second, the Ukrainian staged a dramatic comeback. She captured the second set in a tiebreak and ran away with the decider, closing out the match 2-6, 7-6(2), 6-0. This victory not only ended Samsonova's campaign, but also snapped Starodubtseva’s own seven-match losing streak at WTA main draws—a remarkable feat highlighted in WTA’s feature.

Her performance in the deciding set, marked by deft drop shots and confidently redirected winners, left tennis fans and analysts alike impressed.

Facing Mirra Andreeva: A Clash of Rising Stars

Her next challenge comes against one of the tour’s brightest teenagers: Mirra Andreeva. The 17-year-old Russian is enjoying a breakout season, having already secured two WTA 1000 titles in 2025. This preview and prediction from The Playoffs examines how Starodubtseva’s patient, tactical play matches up against Andreeva’s aggressive approach.

Interestingly, this will be their first meeting on tour. Andreeva holds the higher ranking and enters as the favorite. Yet, Yuliia Starodubtseva’s recent form and confidence make her a genuine threat.

Second WTA 1000 Round of 16 in a Year

For context, this is now Starodubtseva’s second trip to a WTA 1000 Round of 16, following her quarterfinal surge in Beijing last October. Her Madrid run signals a return to winning ways and proves she can compete with the best on some of tennis’s grandest stages. For more details on updated draws, results, and reactions from the Madrid Open, see the Flashscore daily tracker.

What’s Next for Yuliia Starodubtseva?

With growing momentum, Yuliia Starodubtseva looks to continue her inspiring run in Madrid. Her tenacity and fighting spirit promise an exciting fourth-round showdown with Andreeva. Fans and pundits will be watching to see if Starodubtseva can pull off another upset and take another step forward in her breakthrough season.

Stay tuned as the Ukrainian qualifier continues to make her mark at the WTA 1000 level. Her Madrid story isn't done yet.